Mathematics in Primary Education 2 (U03874)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 8 ? Acronym : EDU-2-MPE

The broad aim of the course is to help students become more knowledgeable, confident and reflective teachers of Primary mathematics. A social constructivist approach to teaching and learning will be embraced. This will build on the experiences of problem based learning from Education 2 and help to further develop skills in collaboration, communication, discussion, critical questioning, and active learning through small mathematical investigations and challenges and related pedagogy. Although the emphasis in this course will be on the Shape, Position and Movement Outcome of the Mathematics 5-14 Guidelines and the pedagogy related to that outcome, fractions, decimals and percentages will also be addressed. Exploration of mathematical topics within learning teams and as individuals will provide students with challenges that will encourage discussion, critical reflection, and the exchange of ideas. Such activities will take students mathematical understanding forward at a personal level whilst exploring the concepts and principles relevant to the primary stages of the curriculum. There will be a study of the aesthetic and creative aspects inherent in this area of mathematics and how these can be used to promote interest and enjoyment, including the use of ICT in mathematics. A final strand of the course will consider the common misconceptions and learning difficulties related to the topics studied. At the conclusion of the course the students should be confident in their own mathematical knowledge and in their ability to plan, resource and assess appropriate teaching episodes.

? Keywords : mathematics education

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : ED0910

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Education, (The Moray House School of Education, Schedule C)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 2nd year

? Delivery Period : Blocks 4-5

? Contact Teaching Time : 5 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	11:10	13:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	14:00	14:50	Central
Lecture	Friday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course students will show understanding and awareness in relation to:
4.1 demonstrate secure knowledge of the content and underlying aims of the Mathematics 5-14 curriculum;
4.2 show understanding of the ways in which children develop mathematical concepts with a particular focus on concepts pertaining to measure, shape and fractions, decimals and percentages;
4.3 appreciate how resources, including technology, can be used to enhance teaching and learning;
4.4 show confidence and flexibility in employing a range of strategies, including visualisation and imagery, to solve mathematical problems;
4.5 show awareness of areas of difficulty which may arise and how these can be avoided or overtaken;
4.6 demonstrate a positive attitude to Mathematics as a subject that can be enjoyable both to teach and learn.

Assessment Information

A 2000 word reflective report that focuses on one of the two themes identified below.
1) Problem solving is viewed as an integral part of all learning and teaching in mathematics, as highlighted in A Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum 1 (2006).
Discuss and explore how a problem solving approach could be used in the teaching and learning of a theme, topic or concept developed within this course. You may wish to consider the potential of any cross-curricular/ thematic work.
2) A Curriculum for Excellence states that we should place a strong emphasis on active approaches to the learning and development of understanding in mathematics, including play in the early years
Discuss and explore how collaborative work could be used in the teaching and learning of a theme, topic or concept developed within this course. Consider how the use of practical activities/ investigations and/ or the use of ICT could support and enhance learning.