Mathematics education (early childhood)
Not offered in 1997
Ms J Robbins
4 points
* 3 hours per week
* Peninsula
Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understandings of theories related to how young children develop mathematical understandings and skills; stages in the mathematical thinking of young children; appropriate content in relation to teaching young children mathematics; the importance of developing mathematical skills and processes as well as knowledge; the importance of language development in early childhood maths; appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies; developmentally appropriate planned and incidental maths activities and experiences for children in a range of early childhood settings. Students should have developed skills which will enable them to demonstrate the ability to use children's everyday experiences in teaching mathematical understandings and skills; the ability to select or make and use developmentally appropriate experiences and materials in order to facilitate the development of young children's mathematical understandings and skills; the ability to plan, implement and evaluate appropriate maths activities and experiences during fieldwork placements; the ability to foster children's mathematical language; the ability to foster young children's sense of enquiry. Students should have developed attitudes of enjoyment in teaching early childhood mathematics; confidence in teaching early childhood mathematics; an attitude of enquiry.
Synopsis This subject will focus on the stages children pass through in their understanding of mathematical ideas, and will emphasise the importance of `everyday/real-life' mathematics. Emphasis will also be placed on developing language skills and their interrelationship with mathematics, as well as encouraging problem solving and estimation skills and the use of concrete materials. Topics covered will include recognition of likenesses and differences, classification, ordering patterning, quantity and early number concepts, measurement and early spatial concepts. Students will be expected to use developmentally appropriate practices in their planning of mathematical programs for preschool.
Assessment Examination: 80%
* Preparation of teaching materials: 20%
* Hurdle requirement: Successful completion of workshops
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