Details for EDU419 Mathematics and Numeracy (Years K-2)

The foundations for strong mathematical knowledge are laid in primary education. This unit and its related content are organised in number and algebra, measurement and space, and statistics and probability. The important role of working mathematically plays across all areas of mathematics and reflects the strengthened connections between the concepts. Students examine developmental teaching theories and the psychology of learning mathematics, and how to use these to foster flexible, critical and creative thinking. They will also explore learning sequence design and lesson planning that promotes student-centred teaching and learning, examine investigative activities and tools to promote problem-solving and mathematics communication, apply strategies for assessment task development and learn to effectively integrate contemporary ICT tools and strategies into their teaching. Students will also explore a values-based approach to teaching mathematics from a Christian worldview. 

Quick Stats

• Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
• Course code: EDU419
• Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Prerequisite

The following subjects are prerequisites:

• EDU407 Foundations of Christian Education  
• EDU408 Teaching and Learning Evidence and Practice. 

These can also be co-requisites for this unit. 

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Use curriculum, assessment and mathematical content knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans. 
2. Plan lesson sequences and activities that promote problem-solving, working and communicating mathematically and that integrate knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies. 
3. Demonstrate an understanding of diagnostic, informal and formative assessment approaches to assess student learning and the purpose of using this assessment as timely and appropriate feedback to improve student learning. 
4. Implement a wide range of teaching strategies, tools and resources related to ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities. 
5. Construct a personal philosophy of teaching Mathematics. 

Subject Content

1. Introduction to Primary Mathematics Education 
2. Curriculum and Assessment in K-2 Mathematics
   • Routines + modelling made explicit 
   • Assessment/feedback + discipline language 
3. Number and Algebra 
   • Strands + proficiencies visible to students 
4. Measurement and Space 
   • Statistics and Probability
   • Maths talk in measurement, space & data
5. Student-Centred Teaching and Learning 
   • Strategy instruction before investigations 
6. Promoting Problem Solving and Mathematical Communication 
   • Independence only after readiness 
7. Developmental Teaching Theories and Psychology of Learning Mathematics 
   • Spatial language + quick probes 
8. Effective Teaching Strategies for K-2 Mathematics 
   • Patterns & early algebra, explicitly sequenced 
9. Integration of ICT Tools and Strategies 
   • Step-by-step data handling + calm device routines 
10. Assessment for Learning in Early Childhood Mathematics 
    • Small-group intervention + rotations 
11. Constructing a Personal Philosophy of Teaching Mathematics 
    • Family-facing communication 
12. Selecting relevant resources 
    • Evidence → next steps & at-home ideas 

This course may be offered in the following formats

• ​​E-learning (online/asynchronous) 
• ​​E-learning (online/synchronous) 

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

1. Critical Reflection: Forum Posts (20%)
2. Minor Essay (40%)
3. Integrated Unit of Work (40%)

Prescribed Text

• Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (ACARA). (n.d.). Mathematics. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/mathematics/ 
• Boaler, J. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: Unleashing students’ potential through creative math, inspiring messages, and innovative teaching. Jossey-Bass. 
• Brookfield, S. D. (2017). Becoming a critically reflective teacher. Jossey-Bass. 
• New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).(n.d.). Mathematics in Kindergarten to Year 10. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/mathematics.