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MAU34900 Mathematics education

Module Code MAU34900
Module Title Mathematics education
Semester taught Semesters 1,2 (yearlong)
ECTS Credits 10
Module Lecturer Prof. Elizabeth Oldham
Module Prerequisites N/A

Assessment Details

This module is assessed by means of coursework. There are three assignments: a mathematical autobiography (counting for 5%), a project related to mathematics curricula (60%) and a report on students' classroom experience or equivalent (30%). Additionally, tutorial exercises (5%) involve postings to the module's discussion forum.

Contact Hours

11+11 weeks of teaching. Initially, there will be 3 contact hours per week (including tutorials). Later, students will be spending some time in classrooms (in school, college or adult education settings), so the number of lectures and/or tutorials will be smaller.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to

  • Describe and critique major theories about mathematics teaching and learning.
  • Outline and critique the context, aims, learning outcomes, content, resource implications and assessment procedures of Irish school mathematics curricula, in the context of international developments.
  • Identify and describe their own current beliefs about the nature of mathematics and their philosophies of mathematics education.
  • Report on their classroom experience or equivalent in the light of the theories and topics addressed: describing the approaches to teaching and learning and analyzing the student behaviours observed, and describing and analysing their own reactions.
  • Research and present a project on a topic that appears, or might appear, in mathematics curricula.

Module Content

  • Introduction and overview.
  • Attitudes to mathematics.
  • Learning and teaching mathematics.
  • Mathematics curricula.
  • The nature of mathematics and philosophies of mathematics education.

Recommended Reading

Relevant reading will be assigned or recommended during the year.