Course unit details:
Teaching and Learning of Mathematics
| Unit code | EDUC22002 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 20 |
| Unit level | Level 2 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | Yes |
Overview
This unit illustrates important aspects of the teaching and learning of mathematics through engagement with and reflection on the process of teaching and learning mathematics. Including an individually negotiated practical experience of observed and evidenced teaching and learning mathematics with associated research and reading. The unit will be assessed through a 2000 word portfolio and a 2000 word essay based on the individually negotiated experience and research.
Aims
Teaching and Learning Mathematics aims to introduce students to key aspects of teaching and learning mathematics. Teaching and Learning Mathematics 2 emphasizes the application of mathematics education in a variety of professional contexts and as the basis for a future career. The unit focuses primarily on the teaching of mathematics and will involve students reflecting on their own practice in learning and teaching mathematics.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and underdtanding
- Reflect upon their own teaching and/or learning of mathematics in relation to key ideas in Mathematics Education
- Demonstrate their ability to critically reflect upon their own teaching and/or learning practice Mathematics Education
Intellectual skills
- Demonstrate their ability to critically apply key ideas of Mathematics Education
- Discuss their own and others teaching and learning of mathematics
Practical skills
- Evidence planning, execution and evaluation of an instructional sequence
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Transferable skills and personal qualities
- Numeracy/ mathematics
- Problem-solving skills
- Independent working skills
Teaching and learning methods
The emphasis of the unit is on learning about the teaching and learning of mathematics through students’ own engagement with learning mathematics. There is a stress on active learning and discussion and debate, with individual, group and whole class reflection on activities. The unit is assessed by an essay assignment.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 50% |
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 50% |
ASSESSMENT (FORMATIVE AND SUMMATIVE)
Assessment activity comprises formative and summative elements | Word Length or Equivalent | Weighting within unit |
Portfolio. Generally to be four 500 word elements but with flexibility to include 3-5 items to a total of 2000 words. Selected from options including i) reflections on a course reading; ii) reflections on a learning experience; iii) concept map of course; iv) outline of literature search on a topic v) outline plan for Teaching and Learning Assignment | 2,000 words | 50% |
| Teaching and Learning Assignment. A critical reflection on a learning or teaching experience | 2,000 words |
50% |
Feedback methods
In class and via blackboard
Recommended reading
Potential Pre- reading: Holt, J. (1966). How children fail. Penguin
Ryan, J., and Williams, J. (2007). Children’s Mathematics 4-15. Learning From Errors and Misconceptions. Maidenhead: Open University Press.
Articles for potential review in portfolio, and examples that might support the essay in part two: Skemp, R. (1976) ‘Relational Understanding and Instrumental Understanding’, Mathematics Teaching 77.
Algebra Project. Boston, MA: Beacon.¿Lockhart, P. (2002). A mathematician’s lament. Unpublished. (available online at http://w.maa.org/devlin/LockhartsLament.pdf).¿
Freire, P. & Shor, I. (1987) What is the dialogical method of teaching? Journal of Education, 169(3).
Polya,G.(1963).On learning, teaching and learning teaching. American Mathematical Monthly. 70, 605.
Paulos, J. A. (2000-2011). Articles on mathematics in the real world available online at:http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WhosCounting/
Hughes, M. (1986). Children and Number: Difficulties in Learning Mathematics. Oxford:Blackwell.¿
http://www.atm.org.uk/journal/ (Association of Teachers of Mathematics journal) http://www.khanacademy.org/ (Learn maths through online videos) http://nrich.maths.org/public/
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 24 |
| Tutorials | 6 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 170 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Julian Williams | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
| Activity | Hours Allocated |
Contact time: 2 x 12 weeks Tutorials 3 x 2 | 24 6 |
| Directed reading | 50 |
| Independent learning tasks including online activity (individual and peer group) | 60 |
| Preparation for assignment tasks including stages of draft writing cycles and post assignment self-evaluation | 60 |
| Total Hours | 200 |