EDMA100 to EDMA310

EDMA100 Exploring Mathematics                                                                                                         10 cp

This unit is a combination of experiences in mathematical processes and content. It develops relevant mathematics skills in estimation and computation, problem solving, investigations and mathematical modelling and the application of technology to mathematics. It also develops concepts in pre-algebra and space and measurement, chance and data. The students will also study how mathematics can be applied to their lives. Demonstration of an acceptable level of mathematics knowledge and skills by the student is required.

EDMA101 Mathematics Education 1                                                                                                     10 cp

This unit is designed to provide students with an introduction to primary mathematics education by discussing and investigating current directions in mathematics education. The unit will focus on theories of learning mathematics, the structure and content of the mathematics curriculum, and effective teaching and assessment approaches.

A child-centred approach to learning and teaching mathematics will be emphasised with students considering the role of assessment in assisting teachers to understand children's current mathematical thinking and to plan effective learning experiences. The students will examine the role of manipulatives, technology, and language development in supporting children's construction of mathematical concepts and processes.

EDMA103 Exploring Mathematics 1                                                                                                      10 cp

This unit uses a problem solving approach and an emphasis on deep learning and deep knowledge of important mathematical content knowledge needed for teaching. The mathematical focus areas are whole number, measurement and space. There is a particular emphasis on students diagnosing their own understanding of these areas and engaging in practices, discussions and their own research to broaden and deepen their understanding. The content and assessment in this unit not only support this, but also embed this understanding in realistic contexts for the students. A consideration of the historical and cultural development of these focus areas will situate mathematics in a multicultural and global society, and will provide better understanding of the importance of mathematics as a tool in identifying power differences among socio-economic classes, and racial, ethnic and gender groups. The kinds of approaches to learning and teaching advocated for Learning and Teaching Mathematics 1 and Learning and Teaching Mathematics 2 are modelled in this unit.

EDMA200 Mathematics Education 2                                                                                                     10 cp

This unit is designed to provide students with opportunities to consider issues and strategies in planning, implementing and monitoring children's learning experiences. Students will further explore the structure and content of the mathematics curriculum with reference to national and state documents. Opportunities will be provided for students to critically examine learning activities such as problem solving and investigations, teaching approaches such as cooperative learning, a range of assessment strategies, and issues such as gender, culture, context and language. Underpinning students' explorations in the unit will be theories of children's mathematical learning such as constructivism, and socio-cognitive approaches to learning.

EDMA201 Numeracy in the Early Years                                                                                                10 cp

This unit is designed to provide students with an opportunity to specialise in numeracy in the early years of primary mathematics education by discussing and investigating numeracy aspects in all Strands of the Mathematics Curriculum applying to the first three years of schooling. The unit will focus on the stages of growth in mathematical understanding, the structure and content of a range of numeracy programs, effective teaching and assessment approaches at the early years level and the findings of research projects in this area.

A child-centred approach to learning and teaching mathematics will be emphasised with students considering the role of assessment in assisting teachers to understand children's current mathematical thinking and to plan effective learning experiences.

EDMA202 Mathematics: Teaching and Learning 1                                                                               10 cp

This unit has as a guiding principle, a fundamental concern for justice, and for the dignity of all human beings. In respect to mathematics education, this principle is fundamental in guiding relationships and interactions between students and teachers, and in guiding the development of mathematics learning communities and learning opportunities.

Within such a context, this unit is designed to provide an introduction to primary mathematics education by discussing and investigating current directions in mathematics education, and the role of mathematics education in providing the opportunities necessary for all people to reach a level of mathematical understanding required for full participation in community life, work and further education. The unit will introduce theories of learning mathematics and effective teaching and learning in the contexts of Number, Measurement and Space.

Emphasis will be placed on an approach to learning and teaching mathematics that is respectful of each child’s background and culture. The role of manipulatives, technology, language and mental processes in children’s developing concepts, understandings and skills will also be a focus. A further aspect considered will be the role of assessment interviews in identifying children’s current mathematical understanding, and the use of this information to inform teaching, and develop positive attitudes to mathematics.

EDMA300/417 Mathematics Curriculum and Teaching 1                                                                       10 cp

This unit is designed to provide participants with strategies for planning, implementing and monitoring learning experiences for students studying mathematics in secondary schools. The unit will build on both national and state documents relating to mathematical curricula. The focus is middle school focus. Special attention will be given to understanding in mathematics, lesson planning, the use of concrete materials, problem solving, technology and strategies for fostering mathematical thinking in students.

EDMA301/418 Mathematics Curriculum and Teaching 2                                                                       10 cp

This unit is designed to further develop strategies for planning, implementing and assessing learning experiences for students studying mathematics in secondary schools. The unit will build on both national and state documents relating to the mathematics curriculum. The focus is upper secondary. Special attention will be given to theories of learning, unit planning, assessment, technology, problem solving, mathematical investigations, mathematical modelling and optional areas in the syllabus.

EDMA307 Mathematics Education 3                                                                                                     10 cp

This unit is designed to focus in further detail on contemporary curriculum issues that relate to the learning of mathematics. The students will investigate current research into mathematics education and discuss its implications for the classroom.

The students will examine state, national and international curriculum publications, curriculum programs, research journals and internet websites. There will be a particular emphasis on understanding how children construct mathematical knowledge and skills and develop mathematical understandings. Inquiry-based teaching strategies that promote numeracy through mathematical thinking will be modelled. Demonstration of an acceptable level of mathematics knowledge and skills by the student is required.

EDMA309 Exploring Mathematics                                                                                                          10 cp

This unit, following on from Exploring Mathematics 1, uses a problem-solving approach and an emphasis on deep understanding of important mathematical content knowledge needed for teaching. In this case, the mathematical focus is on rational number (fractions, decimals, percentages), proportional reasoning, probability and statistics, and algebraic thinking and reasoning. There is a particular emphasis in content and assessment on “real-world” applications of mathematics. The kinds of approaches to teaching and learning advocated in Learning and Teaching Mathematics 1 and Learning and Teaching Mathematics 2 are modelled in this unit, where the desire is to increase the confidence and competence of students with mathematics.

EDMA310 Mathematics: Learning and Teaching 2                                                                               10 cp

This unit is designed to provide student teachers with opportunities to consider issues and strategies in planning, implementing and monitoring learning experiences for pupils in primary mathematics, with an underpinning concern for justice and the dignity of all. Students will explore the structure and content of the mathematics curriculum with reference to relevant state or territory documents. Opportunities will be provided for students to experience and critically examine a range of different learning activities and teaching approaches. The teaching of rational number, algebra, and chance and data will form the content basis of this unit. Students will examine a range of formal and informal assessment strategies with an emphasis on using these tools to inform reporting on student achievement. Underpinning students’ explorations in the unit will be theories of children’s mathematical learning such as constructivism, and socio-cognitive approaches to learning. Students will investigate the findings of reported research into mathematics education issues considered within this unit, and will discuss implications for the classroom.