THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2023/2024

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Mathematics : Mathematics

Undergraduate Course: Mathematical Education (MATH10010)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Mathematics CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 4 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
Summary** In order to participate in the school experience required for this course, you may be asked to apply to join the 'Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme'. If it is needed, advice on how to do this will be given at the start of the course. **

This course surveys theories of learning and teaching mathematics. The ideas encountered will be considered in relation to a project involving the preparation of lessons on a selected topic in mathematics. This project will entail engagement with the mathematics itself and ideas from the education literature about the teaching of the topic, as well as consideration of the wider context and applications. Students have the opportunity to think critically about mathematics education and make links between theory and practice.

This course has a quota and students need to apply for a place. See 'Special Arrangements' below.
Course description This is an optional course for Honours Degrees in Mathematics and/or Statistics. Through assigned reading, small-group activities and tutorials, the course provides opportunities to consider theories relating to the learning and teaching of mathematics. Students develop their own views of the theory through reading as well as discussion and debate. In addition, during Semester 1, students work in small groups to plan and deliver lessons on a given topic to an appropriate audience (e.g. local school pupils). Assessment of the course involves group tasks reporting on the preparation, planning and delivery of the lessons (40%),and two individual written assignments drawing on the theory covered in the course - a reflection on links between theory and practice that draws on an observation (20%) and a critical analysis of a topic from the theory in the course (40%).

The course will consider questions such as: 'What is mathematics?', 'Why do we teach mathematics?', 'How do people learn mathematics?', 'How should mathematics be taught?', 'How can we assess mathematical understanding?', 'What motivates mathematics learning?', 'How do issues of social justice relate to mathematical education?'
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed:
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Students MUST NOT also be taking Developing as a Mathematics Educator (EDUA10167)
Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2023/24, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  0
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 18, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 8, External Visit Hours 8, Summative Assessment Hours 1, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Placement Study Abroad Hours 8, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 153 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) Coursework 100%
Feedback Not entered
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Work collaboratively to research a chosen mathematical topic and teach an appropriate audience about it, paying particular attention to the wider context and applications of the topic.
  2. Plan mathematics lessons on a given topic (with support) and present a rationale for pedagogical decisions.
  3. Critically analyse theory about the learning and teaching of mathematics, and make links between theory and practice.
Reading List
https://eu01.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44UOE_INST/lists/26183665250002466?auth=SAML
Additional Information
Course URL https://info.maths.ed.ac.uk/teaching.html
Graduate Attributes and Skills Not entered
Special Arrangements Students on single or combined degrees involving mathematics must apply for a place. These students will be given priority.

Other students should apply to the Course Organizer.
KeywordsMEd
Contacts
Course organiserMrs Ruth Forrester
Tel: (0131 6)50 5052
Email: ruth.forrester@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMrs Frances Reid
Tel: (0131 6)50 4883
Email: f.c.reid@ed.ac.uk
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