EDUC9224 Being a Mathematician (4-8)

2017

4.5

6 x 3-hour tutorials per semester
1 x 6-hour intensive workshop per semester

1 Admission into MTEC-Master of Teaching (Early Childhood)
2 EDUC9223 - The Numerate and Literate Infant
Must Satisfy: (1 and 2)

EDUC3622 has been successfully completed

Assignment(s), Project

This topic develops specialist knowledge of current theory and practice in early childhood mathematics teaching and learning. Mathematics is about quantity, structure, space and change, and is contextualised by its social, cultural and historical settings. Teaching mathematics is viewed as an ethical, adaptive practice that aims to engage children both individually and collaboratively in meaningful mathematics that values conceptual understanding, mathematical connections and communication, and the role of mathematics in numeracy.

The topic examines the role of educators’ beliefs about how best to teach mathematics and how children learn. The topic explores how young children’s mathematical proficiencies can be recognised and how early childhood educators’ mathematical understanding and competencies can be used to sustain and enhance these proficiencies effectively. The topic develops critical understanding of curricular values, purposes and content and builds expertise and confidence in planning for coordinated, meaningful mathematical learning in the early years. Students complete an in-school component that provides an opportunity to assess and critically analyse evidenced student thinking. The topic develops students’ skills in making consistent judgements about children’s learning and planning for teaching based on assessment information, and providing feedback to students about their learning.

This topic aims to enable graduates to:

• Develop advanced knowledge of contemporary mathematics learning and teaching theories, resources and pedagogical approaches, and develop skills to evaluate the diversity and inclusivity of learning opportunities they provide.

• Investigate home and community practices prior to and in the early years of schooling and building relationships with family to support young children’s mathematical development.

• Recognise children’s mathematical proficiencies and how this knowledge informs mathematical teaching and learning.

• Evaluate the values, purposes and content in curriculum, and their role in mathematical planning and assessment decisions.

• Build expertise and confidence in designing, implementing and assessing experiences that engage young children individually and collectively in meaningful mathematical learning and development.

To be advised