Numeracy: Improving Learning

Subject EDUC90688 (2014)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2014.

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

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24
Total Time Commitment:

120 hours. Attendance at all classes (tutorial/seminars/practical classes/lectures/labs/online classes) is obligatory. Failure to attend 80% of classes will normally result in failure in the subject.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the HDisability Liaison Unit websiteH: Hhttp://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/H

Contact

Education Student Centre
234 Queensberry Street
Call: 13 MELB (13 6352)

Subject Overview:

This subject is concerned with improving the learning outcomes for students in primary and secondary schools in selected hard-to-teach topics that are central to numeracy. It will considerably enhance the numeracy-specific pedagogical content knowledge of the participants. A detailed study of the conceptual growth along a developmental continuum that is required for making progress in key areas of mathematics will be undertaken. Participants will learn to conduct ‘assessment for learning’ in a way that is instructionally highly effective. Diagnostic assessments will be reviewed, critiqued and created, and used with sample students. Teaching methods that promote conceptual growth will be reviewed, with relevant research. All topics will be examined through the lens of current Australian and international educational policies.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject students will be able to

  • demonstrate practical and theoretical knowledge of the developmental continuum for learning some central topics of mathematics
  • analyse curriculum sequences and lessons to assess their potential for promoting conceptual growth and other key mathematical competencies
  • describe and analyse the policies and findings of major contemporary mathematics curriculum initiatives related to improving learning
  • provide leadership in an educational setting in improving the learning of mathematics and numeracy.
Assessment:

There are three pieces of assessment:

  • Oral presentation (15 minutes) on the mathematical understandings of a small number of students in a defined area of mathematics/numeracy, with supporting documentation. 1000 words. Mid-semester (10%)
  • Design and analysis of a lesson sequence that will improve school outcomes in a defined area of numeracy, with reference to research findings. 2000 words. End of semester. (45%)
  • Literature review on students’ conceptual growth of one mathematical topic. 2000 words. End of semester (45%)
Prescribed Texts:

Goos, M., Stillman, G., & Vale, C. (2007). Teaching secondary school mathematics: Research and practice for the 21st century. Sydney: Allen & Unwin.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students completing this subject should be able to:

  • demonstrate a superior knowledge and understanding of theory and practice relating to numeracy and mathematics learning;
  • have an understanding of the theory and practice of educational research needed to evaluate research literature and carry out appropriate research activity;
  • make effective use of the findings of educational writings and research in improving student mathematics and numeracy learning;
  • have the depth of knowledge and understanding of student learning trajectories, appropriate teaching methodologies and professional development techniques that will enable them to be a resource for colleagues.
Related Course(s): Master of Education (Stream 100B)Coursework
Master of Education (Stream 150)
Master of Numeracy

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