Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Primary Mathematics Education 1

• Unit Code

  MPE4105

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  10

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr John Desmond WEST

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Description

Primary teachers require a sound understanding of the mathematics they have to teach, backed by knowledge of how mathematics learning can be stimulated and how it progresses. This unit is designed to help pre-service teachers to reflect on their beliefs about mathematics while at the same time examining their own mathematical ability. The content of this unit covers mathematics education from Years 1 to 7 with a key focus on developing childrens numeracy skills through good number sense and a working mathematically approach. Pre-service teachers will be introduced to current Western Australian curriculum documents and supporting materials. While the emphasis of this unit is on teaching mathematics, pre-service teachers will be expected to develop their own competence and confidence in mathematics by participating in workshops and other activities designed to show how content may be taught, and through completing supporting modules of activities.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Appreciate the role of manipulatives, games and technology in mathematics teaching/learning process.
2. Discuss current issues in primary mathematics education and their implications for teaching and learning.
3. Explain how mathematics learning progresses and the difficulties children may encounter.
4. Monitor and evaluate their own mathematical knowledge.
5. Recognise the importance of the understanding and use of mathematical language.
6. Select and use strategies that will develop positive attitudes and promote learning in mathematics.
7. Use curriculum documents and other supporting material to plan, implement and evaluate appropriate mathematical experiences.

Unit Content

1. Effective strategies for the organisation of mathematical activities and the development of positive attitudes to mathematics.
2. Self-evaluation and development of own mathematical knowledge.
3. The influence of affective factors on mathematics teaching and learning.
4. The likely progression of mathematical learning (with a particular focus on number development) and common difficulties experienced by children.
5. The role of language in mathematics teaching and learning.
6. The use of manipulatives, games and technology to support the development of mathematical concepts and to promote good number sense.
7. Use of the curriculum documents and other supporting material to inform planning.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and discussions, Seminars, Workshops, Self-directed learning, Classroom based learning and reflection.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Core Reading(s)

• Bana, J., Marshall, L., & Swan, P. (2014). Maths handbook for teachers and parents. Greenwood, Australia: R.I.C. Publications.
• Booker, G., Bond, D., Sparrow, L., & Swan, P. (2014). Teaching primary mathematics. (5th ed.). Melbourne: Pearson Prentice Hall.

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