Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have an understanding of the sequential development of common and decimal fractions and related mathematical teaching techniques; be able to teach a variety of measurement topics which add a realistic and practical aspect to number work; possess a range of assessment procedures and techniques which can be used by teachers; be able to diagnose and remedy common computational errors made by children. Students should also have developed an understanding for, appreciation of and skill in the design and implementation of programs for primary school science and technology; become familiar with public resources such as Scienceworks, the Zoo, and special features of the local environment which can be linked to topics from the breadth of the science curriculum and connected to other subject areas. Students should have further developed computer user skills necessary for the effective use of the computer as a teaching aid; possess a basic understanding of the rationale underpinning the use of flexible and inflexible databases, interactive fiction and adventure game software in the primary classroom; have developed a range of effective procedures and practices for the efficient use of computers in the primary classroom.
Synopsis The subject builds on the concepts and skills developed in EDN7045. It is composed of three components. (1) Mathematics education (50%) includes a study of the sequential development of common and decimal fractions and related teaching techniques, measurement topics, assessment procedures and techniques, and the diagnosis and remediation of common computational errors made by children. (2) Science education (25%) considers further factors relevant to the design and implementation of programs for primary school science and technology, and examines public resources such as Scienceworks, the zoo and special features of the local environment. (3) Computers in education (25%) looks at the educational advantages and implications of using computers in the teaching and learning processes. It provides students with experience in using common software packages in the area of databases and interactive fiction together with examples of CAL software related to specific curriculum areas.
Assessment Each component has its own assessment based on the following percentages Mathematics and computers in education Practical work, field work, laboratory work (4000 words): 40% + Examinations: 60% + Science education Practical work, fieldwork, laboratory work (6000 words): 60% + Examination: 40% + A satisfactory standard must be reached in all assessable items to gain a pass