Mathematics: Problem Solving & Reasoning

Subject EDUC90618 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

July, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start 08-Jul-2016
Teaching Period 16-Jul-2016 to 22-Oct-2016
Assessment Period End 07-Nov-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 08-Jul-2016
Census Date 05-Aug-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 23-Sep-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

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 Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Caroline Bardini

Contact

caroline.bardini@unimelb.edu.au

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 reasoning. Problem solving is seen as an approach to teaching mathematics, a way of doing mathematics and mathematical content in its own right. Problem solving and reasoning 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 reasoning and problem solving research; attitudes to and conceptions of problem solving and reasoning; problem solving, reasoning and working mathematically; interdisciplinarity; assessment; developing challenging tasks to increase cognitive demand; managing the problem solving/reasoning 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 reasoning and problem solving.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the subject students will be able to:

  • Clearly Identify what defines the proficiency strands “Problem Solving” and “Reasoning” of the Australian National Curriculum;
  • Devise teaching strategies that implement problem solving and reasoning in the classroom;
  • Identify and demonstrate a sound understanding of educational research and practice in the area of teaching and learning mathematics through problem solving and reasoning in schools;
  • Demonstrate confidence in using mathematics to solve problems.
Assessment:

There are three assessment tasks:

  • A 1,500 word academic report exploring issues related to researching, teaching and/or learning through an approach using problem solving /or reasoning, due late semester, 30%
  • A 10 minute oral presentation (equivalent 1,000 words) due late semester, 20%
  • A 2,500 word research-based report, due end semester, 50%

This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance at all tutorials, seminars and workshops.

Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts:

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 subject 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 reasoning 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
Master of Education
Master of Numeracy

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