Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module EDUS3381: MATHEMATICS FOR PRIMARY TEACHING 3

Department: Education [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

EDUS3381: MATHEMATICS FOR PRIMARY TEACHING 3

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Queen's Campus Stockton
Tied to X101

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop a rich and connected understanding of mathematical concepts in the primary curriculum and an understanding of the progression of these concepts beyond the primary phase.
  • to study the findings from large and small scale research on primary and early secondary children's understanding of mathematical concepts.

Content

  • During this module the themes explored in the related modules in years 1 and 2 will be re-visited but from the viewpoint of relevant mathematics research.
  • Students will learn critically to evaluate the quality of evidence, methods in inquiry and the presentation of findings in research and professional literature on children's mathematical thinking.
  • They will analyse mathematical situations in terms of underlying conceptual structures and meanings.
  • Finally, the students will consider the nature of assessment - its use and its complexity and will explore the effectiveness of different ways of assessing pupil work.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • knowledge of key ideas related mathematics in the primary school
  • knowledge of the National Numeracy Strategy and the way in which it facilitates the development of mathematical understanding
  • an understanding of the way in which theory informs practice and vice versa
Subject-specific Skills:
  • an informed and critical awareness of research in mathematics education which can enhance the effectiveness of the primary mathematics teacher
  • observe, record accurately and relate educational practice to theory in primary schools and classrooms
  • critically analyse literature on a variety of contemporary education issues relating to primary mathematics
Key Skills:
  • communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively in written form
  • manage time and work to deadlines
  • construct and sustain a reasoned argument
  • evaluate and make use of information from a variety of primary and secondary sources

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures, workshops and seminars will be used as appropriate to support students in developing their critical understanding of the role of the teacher in the primary mathematics classroom.
  • Individual and group projects will be undertaken.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 12 Weekly 1 hour 12
Tutorials / Seminars / Practicals 12 Fortnightly 1.5 hours 18
Preparation and Reading 170
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Seen examination three hours 100%

Formative Assessment:

Seminar and presentation assignments.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University