Learning and Teaching Mathematics: Part A

This subject traces the growth and development of mathematical constructs in children through Primary school: Mathematics K-10 syllabus. Pre-service Teachers will be exposed to the socio-cultural and multicultural contexts of mathematics, critique a range of teaching methods and approaches, with a view to developing their own philosophy and teaching approach.

Awards offering Learning and Teaching Mathematics: Part A

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Master of Teaching (Primary)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

The main focus of this subject is on the Pre-service Teacher’s own knowledge, skills, confidence, belief systems and values in Mathematics with a view to appreciating Mathematics in everyday life as a way of interpreting the world. This subject traces the growth and development of mathematical constructs in children through Primary school: Mathematics K-10 syllabus. Pre-service Teachers will be exposed to the socio-cultural and multicultural contexts of mathematics, critique a range of teaching methods and approaches, with a view to developing their own philosophy and teaching approach.

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate skill with the use of computers and other ICT resources in mathematical processing;
2. Critically self-appraise proficiency in mathematical knowledge, skills and the ability to communicate mathematically with appropriate terminology, exhibiting a range of numeracy strategies for the development of creative and critical thinking and problem solving in Mathematics;
3. Critically analyse the relevant Mathematics K-10 syllabus and various teaching approaches in order to be able to select and construct authentic and engaging learning experiences for diverse learners from K-6;
4. Explain in detail the impact of knowledge and belief systems about Mathematics in different cultural contexts including, Australian indigenous communities;
5. Construct a personal philosophy of teaching Mathematics and how it relates to a Christian worldview.

Subject Content

1. How people learn Mathematics, stages of growth and development in mathematical concept development;
2. Numeracy across the curriculum / Literacy - making meaning of mathematical terminology / Evaluation and application of ICT resources in concept development;
3. Mathematics and culture, Australian Indigenous and cultural ways of knowing, interpreting and communicating research and statistics;
4. Personal inventory of mathematical skills and knowledge;
5. Personal philosophy of Mathematics education and Christian worldview
6. Syllabus development through Stages in Syllabus strands and sub-strands: Process strand - Working Mathematically; Content Strands - Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, Statistics and Probability;
7. Mathematics in Society: Numeracy (media, community, sport, hospitality and tourism). Statistical literacy (planning, gathering, organising, applying data to solve problems and communicate results). Numeracy and the ethics of manipulating data for society’s products and services;
8. Teaching pedagogies for mathematical concept development: Approaches - deductive, inductive, direct instruction, constructivist, socio-constructivist, Skemp’s instrumental and relational learning. Problem solving heuristics (Polya, CoRT) and investigative approaches.
9. Application of teaching and learning principles authentic and rich tasks, contextual, connected to learners, significance, engaging, deep intellectual quality and self-monitoring for meaning making, quality learning environment. Evaluation and application of computer- mediated learning (graphics calculators and skill development software).

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face-to-Face
• Intensive
• Distance/ Global Online

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Entrance Numeracy Test (5%)
2. Critical Reflection (30%)
3. Action Research Exercise (55%)
4. Forum Posts (10%)

Prescribed Text

• References will include the most current curriculum requirements for schools.

Check with the instructor each semester before purchasing any prescribed texts or representative references