Mathematics: Modelling & Problem Solving

Subject EDUC90618 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment: 125 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Helen Chick

Contact

Education Student Centre
Subject Overview: This subject will focus on research and issues related to the teaching and learning of mathematics in primary and secondary classrooms through the use of problem solving and mathematical modelling. Modelling and problem solving are seen as approaches to teaching mathematics, ways of doing mathematics and mathematical content in their own right. They focus particularly on questions related to how we think mathematically and learn more deeply in a mathematical environment that emphasises big ideas in mathematics teaching. Topics include: trends in mathematical modelling and problem solving research; attitudes to and conceptions of problem solving and modelling; problem solving and modelling and working mathematically; interdisciplinarity; assessment; developing challenging tasks to increase cognitive demand; managing the problem solving/modelling classroom; teaching students to address a challenge; raising the level of mathematical competence required for informed citizenship and lifelong learning; increasing students’ confidence in using mathematics to solve problems; the role of technology in facilitating modelling and problem solving.
Objectives:

Students completing this course should be able to:

  • Identify and demonstrate a sound understanding of educational research and practice in the area of teaching and learning mathematics through problem solving and mathematical modelling in schools;Investigate and critically analyse the impact of an issue related to using problem solving or mathematical modelling in a school situation;
  • Propose courses of action in response to an issue or to problems arising from an issue related to researching, teaching and/learning through or by problem solving or mathematical modelling;
  • Investigate the consequences of a particular issue for a given school setting related to researching, teaching and/learning through or by problem solving or mathematical modelling and devise a response to address any problems arising from the issue
  • Provide reasoned arguments to support any course of action recommended to resolve or minimise the problems arising from a particular issue related to researching, teaching and/learning through or by problem solving or mathematical modelling; and,
  • Specify how current teaching practice might be modified to more adequately address the consequences of a particular issue related to teaching and/learning through or by problem solving or mathematical modelling.
Assessment:
  • Short academic report of 1000 words plus an oral presentation exploring issues related to researching, teaching and/or learning through an approach using problem solving and/or mathematical modelling. To be presented by Week 7. 40% of semester total.
  • 3000 word research-based report investigating this or one of the other issues presented in depth to be completed by end of semester. 60% of semester total.
Prescribed Texts: Collected readings or a list to suit most likely interests. These would include as recommended readings:
Blum, W., Galbraith, P., Niss, M., Henn, H.-W. (Eds.). (2007). Modelling and applications in mathematics education, New ICMI Studies Series no. 10. New York: Springer.
Clarke, D. J., Goos, M., & Morony, W. (2007). Problem solving and working mathematically: An Australian perspective. ZDM—The International Journal on Mathematical Education, 39(5-6), 475-490.
Lesh, R., & Zawojewski, J. (2007). Problem solving and modelling. In F. Lester (Ed.), Second handbook of research o mathematics teaching and learning (pp. 763-804). Charlotte, NC: IAP.
Stillman, G. A., Brown, J. P., & Galbraith, P. L. (2008). Research into the teaching and learning of applications and modelling in Australasia. In H. Forgasz, A. Barkatsas, A. Bishop, B. Clarke, S. Keast, W-T. Seah, & P. Sullivan (Eds.), Research in mathematics education in Australasia 2004-2007 (pp. 141-164). Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
Stillman, G., Cheung, K-C., Mason, R., Sheffield, L., Sriraman, B., & Ueno, K. (2009). Challenging mathematics: Classroom practices. In E. Barbeau & P. Taylor (Eds.), Challenging mathematics in and beyond the classroom: The 16th ICMI study, New ICMI Studies Series no. 12 (pp. 243-283). New York: Springer.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students completing this course should be able to:
  • Demonstrate a superior knowledge and understanding of educational theory and practice in general and in the area of teaching and learning mathematics through problem solving and mathematical modelling in particular;
  • Express informed opinions on these issues;
  • Have an understanding of the theory and practice of educational research needed to evaluate research literature and carry out appropriate research activity in this area;
  • Make effective use of the findings of educational writings and research in addressing professional problems;
  • Have the depth of knowledge and understanding that will enable them to be a resource for colleagues in particular professional situations;
  • Demonstrate an appreciation of professional responsibilities and ethical principles which should characterise leaders in the education profession.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)

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