Module EDUC43830: Developing Understanding in Mathematics

Department: Education

EDUC43830: Developing Understanding in Mathematics

Tied To

• X5K207: Education [with Qualified Teacher Status] (Secondary) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2013-2014 for details)
• X5K307: Education [with Qualified Teacher Status] (Primary) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2011-2012 for details)
• X9A102: Education (UK)
• X9A602: Education (International Postgraduate Programme)
• X9K907: Education [UK]
• X9KC14: The Practice of Education
• X9KD07: Education (International Postgraduate Programme) (see Postgraduate Handbook 2012-2013 for details)

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To introduce students to the theoretical notion of 'understanding' and related concepts in mathematics education.
• To promote critical understanding of, and reflection on, aspects of teaching and learning in mathematics education.
• To introduce students to mathematics education from a research-based perspective.
• To provide an opportunity for an in-depth investigation of a specific aspect of mathematics education.
• To provide the opportunity for students to develop their own understanding of mathematics.

Content

• The topics upon which the lectures will be based are:
• The notion of understanding in mathematics education;
• Learning theories and mathematics education;
• Teaching for understanding - pedagogical considerations;
• Creativity and mathematics education;
• Problem solving;
• Developing Statistical literacy
• International comparisons of maths attainment;
• Misconceptions in mathematics education (primary or secondary);
• Assessing understanding in mathematics education (primary or secondary);
• Developing subject knowledge in mathematics (primary or secondary).

Learning Outcomes

• LO1: To have a critical understanding of the notion of 'developing understanding of mathematics' in students;
• LO2: To have a critical understanding of current paradigms informing mathematics education practice;
• LO3: To have a critical understanding of the notion of 'subject knowledge' in mathematics, and to develop one's own subject knowledge in primary or secondary mathematics.

• LO4: To be able to analyse critically mathematics education as a subject area;
• LO5: To critically analyse research relating to mathematics education and then apply this knowledge to solve specific problems relating to practice in a school-related context.

• LO6: Critical analysis of research literature;
• LO7: Presentation skills;
• LO8: Academic writing and communication skills;
• LO9: Critical reflective analysis.

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

• The lectures will introduce a particular topic linked to the notion of ‘understanding’, with readings and tasks for the following week. [LO1, LO2, LO3] The seminar will then follow up this lecture, with discussions of the research and problem-based approach to exploring the relevant issues. [LO4, LO5, LO6, LO9] The tutorials will be individual small group tutorials designed to provide support for the assignment. [LO4, LO5, LO6, LO9] The assignments will be a PowerPoint presentation and responses to question and answer on the key issues from the research in a specific area of mathematics (30%) [LO7]; 3500 word assignment relating theory to practice in schools with implications for teaching (70%). [LO8, LO4, LO5, LO6, LO9]

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Verbal feedback is given to students' contribution during class teaching sessions. Staff can be contacted for individual help. Written formative feedback is provided for the academic outline of the written assignment, and explored in more depth in the tutorials. Formative feedback on mathematical subject knowledge provided during seminars and tutorials.