Overview
Quality experiences and effective learning and teaching interactions are central to the development of children’s confident and purposeful use of Mathematical knowledge and skills in a wide range of situations. In this unit, you will develop knowledge of evidence-based pedagogical approaches that enhance the conceptual understanding and numerate thinking of children in early years and primary school settings. You will apply this knowledge to the analysis and evaluation of resources and teaching practices and devise modifications or improvements that enhance their impact on children’s proficiency in Mathematics. Special emphasis is given to the progression from concrete hands-on activities to symbolic and abstract representation of the four basic operations. In addition, this unit will provide opportunities for you to extend and refine your own Mathematical knowledge and confidence and reflect on your professional learning needs in relation to the effective teaching of Mathematics in early childhood education and care, and primary school settings.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2023
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Student unit evaluations
More consistency between the writing standards (paragraph spacing and font size requirements) is required. This would help streamline expectations.
Students are encouraged to make use of the ALC APA Formatting Guidelines. Utilising this same document across the faculty would help to streamline expectations.
- Evaluate strategies and resources for teaching mathematical understanding and the purposeful application of numeracy in a range of learning contexts and situations
- Identify, select and use teaching and learning strategies and resources that build on and support the development of learners' numeracy skills including mathematical applications and problem solving
- Identify appropriate strategies for gathering information and making judgments about students' numeracy development
- Assess and develop personal numeracy skills
- Reflect on personal numeracy competence to describe ways in which professional learning for teachers contributes to effective teaching practice and improved student learning outcomes.
Successful completion of this unit provides opportunities for students to demonstrate the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers focus areas of:
1.2 Understand how students learn
2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area
2.2 Content selection and organisation
2.5 Literacy and numeracy strategies
3.3 Use teaching strategies
3.4 Select and use resources
3.6 Evaluate and improve teaching programs
5.1 Assess student learning
6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs
6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice
6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||||
| 2 - Online Test - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Teaching Primary Mathematics
Edition: 6th (2020)
Authors: George Booker, Denise Bond, Rebecca Seah
Pearson
Australia
ISBN: 9781488615597
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
If you prefer your own copy, you can purchase one at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.j.wass@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Defining numeracy
Approaches to teaching and learning mathematics - building confidence, proficiency and understanding
The importance of mathematical language to describe thinking processes
Chapter
Chapter 1- Approaches to mathematics teaching and learning
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Numeration - whole numbers
Establishing the foundations of numeracy in the early years
Chapter
Chapter 3 - Numeration for whole numbers
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Numeration - fractions and decimals
Chapter
Chapter 6 - Numeration for fraction ideas
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Additive thinking
Moving from concrete to abstract in the conceptual development of mathematical concepts
Chapter
Chapter 4 - Computation: additive thinking (pp.184-250)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Chapter 4 - Computation: additive thinking (pp.234-265)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Task 1 Due for Submission
11:59pm 12/04/2023
Critical analysis of numeracy teaching strategies and learning activities. Due: Vacation Week Wednesday (12 Apr 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Multiplicative thinking
Chapter
Chapter 5 - Computation: multiplicative thinking (pp. 253-300)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Developing thinking for division
Chapter
Chapter 5 - Computation: multiplicative thinking (pp. 300-343)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Algebra and algebraic thinking
Chapter
Chapter 7- Algebra and algebraic thinking
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Problem solving - Real world applications of mathematical thinking
Chapter
Chapter 2- Problem solving
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Teaching for meaning - Estimation and calculators
Chapter
Chapter 11 - Teaching for meaning - connecting ideas across mathematics
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Personal numeracy competency - the impact of professional learning on attitudes, teaching practice and student learning in Mathematics
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Assessment Task 2
Personal Learning Plan and Reflection Submission
11:59pm Wednesday May 31st 2023
Personal numeracy learning plan and reflection Due: Week 12 Wednesday (31 May 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
Task Rationale: A plethora of teaching and learning resources are available for teachers to use in the design of their lessons. Choosing appropriate activities and resources that align with current literature and research-based best practice in teaching and learning numeracy is a professional responsibility and integral to preparation for teaching.
Task details: In this task you are required to write a report that critically examines three teaching videos (available from Moodle Assessment Task 1 Description) to decide whether they are consistent with current approaches to teaching and learning numeracy. Your report should provide a literature-based justification of your decision.
To complete the task you will need to:
1. View the three (3) teaching videos and briefly describe the mathematics concept, numeracy learning and pedagogical strategy/strategies that are evident.
2. Investigate the mathematics topic for each video using the following questions as a guide:
- Which elements and sub-elements of the National Numeracy Learning Progression does each video scaffold?
- How does the focus knowledge and skills of each video support conceptual understanding of one or more of the four basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division?
- What is the sequence for developing an understanding of the topic? What approach does the literature advocate for teaching the topic?
- What are the common learning issues reported in the literature? What are the implications for designing experiences that scaffold prior knowledge of this topic in early years contexts?
3. Using your responses to the questions in Step 2, construct a set of criteria with which you can critique and compare each video strategy to the teaching approach/s advocated in authoritative literature sources for developing an understanding of one of the four operations.
4. Using your criteria, decide whether the strategies are consistent with current approaches to mathematics teaching and learning, and how students learn and justify your decision using authoritative literature sources.
5. Choose one video and use your critique to develop a lesson plan exemplar. Your plan must include strategies to check for student understanding of the stated learning goals and include annotations that (a) identify the mathematical vocabulary that would be used to scaffold children's mathematical understanding of numeracy development; (b) justify your teaching strategy choice/s, sequencing decisions and selection of resources, to provide evidence of how the teaching plan has been improved or enhanced; and (c) explain how your checks for learning provide you with information about students' achievement of the learning goal as input for next steps teaching.
Your assessment task submission should use a report presentation style and include:
a) Abstract (100 - 150 words)
b) Table of contents
c) Introduction (100 - 150 words)
d) Description of the three mathematics strategies (300 - 360 words; i.e. 100-120 words per video)
e) Investigation of the mathematics topic each video addresses (450 - 600 words; i.e. 150 - 200 words per video)
f) Critique and justification of decision regarding the three mathematics strategies (600 - 690 words; i.e. 200 - 230 words per video)
g) Conclusion (150 - 200 words)
h) References
i) Appendices - Lesson plan with annotations
(N.B. *Number of words for each part is a guide only)
Word count: 2000 words maximum
WORD COUNT for written assignments:
The word count is considered from the first word of the introduction to the last word of the conclusion. It excludes the cover page, abstract, contents page, reference page and appendices. It includes in-text references and direct quotations.
Vacation Week Wednesday (12 Apr 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
This task is to be uploaded as a single Word file document to Moodle saved in the following format: EDCU20037_Last name_First name_Task 1
Tasks will be returned at the conclusion of the moderation process
Assessment Criteria
Assessment will be marked against the following criteria:
● Knowledge and understanding of the learning progression and evidence-based approaches to teaching Mathematics content
● Understanding of how students learn Mathematics and the impact of stages of development and student characteristics on numeracy learning and development
● Ability to analyse and evaluate teaching and learning activities to improve student learning
● Ability to organise content and select teaching strategies and resources that support numeracy and mathematical understanding
● Planning that includes strategies for monitoring student progress and learning as input for making next steps teaching decisions
● Communication and referencing
Learning Outcomes Assessed
- Evaluate strategies and resources for teaching mathematical understanding and the purposeful application of numeracy in a range of learning contexts and situations.
- Identify, select and use teaching and learning strategies and resources that build on and support the development of learners' numeracy skills including mathematical applications and problem-solving.
- Identify appropriate strategies for gathering information and making judgments about students' numeracy development.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers addressed in this task
1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 5.1, 6.2
Communication and referencing
N.B. The full assessment criteria and standards rubric is located in the Assessment block on the Moodle site for this Unit.
- Evaluate strategies and resources for teaching mathematical understanding and the purposeful application of numeracy in a range of learning contexts and situations
- Identify, select and use teaching and learning strategies and resources that build on and support the development of learners' numeracy skills including mathematical applications and problem solving
- Identify appropriate strategies for gathering information and making judgments about students' numeracy development
2 Online Test
This task comprises two parts:
1. Five on-line quizzes that are completed each week from week 6 to week 10. Each quiz comprises ten randomly selected questions to be completed in 30 minutes. Quiz questions are based on numeracy concepts aligned with the Australian Core Skills Framework levels 1-5 (25% weighting)
2. Personal numeracy learning plan and reflection (25% weighting)
1. Details about the five online quizzes:
- 1 attempt only at each quiz.
- 10 questions per quiz
- 1 mark per question
- 30 minutes to complete each quiz.
Each weekly quiz will be open for 6 days of the week only (i.e Week 6 quiz will be open from Monday of Week 6 through to Saturday of Week 6)
Once you complete the quiz and submit, your overall score only will be available. Solutions will be released once the quiz has closed for that week. You are not able to go back in and attempt the quiz again.
Your responses for each quiz will be recorded and contribute 25% to your overall grade.
2. Personal numeracy learning plan and reflection
You are to write a 1000 word (maximum) reflective statement outlining your strengths and challenges with respect to your personal numeracy competency, a professional learning plan to address the challenges identified and the implications for student learning.
This reflective statement must include:
a) Your numeracy strengths and challenges as identified through self-reflection and on-line quiz performance.
b) A personal plan for professional learning outlining both short term and long term goals, and the professional learning resources you plan to draw on to support your acquisition of the mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills required for effective and accurate description of mathematical ideas that support children's numeracy development.
c) A justification for your plan that links to (a) scholarly literature; and (b) the development of professional knowledge and practice for teaching Mathematics using selected focus areas of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers*.
d) A preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the plan for your short term goals, and an informed reflection on the relationship between professional learning, improved practice and improved student learning in Mathematics in early childhood and primary schooling contexts.
*A full copy of the AITSL Professional Standards for Australian Teachers is available at: http://www.aitsl.edu.au/australian-professional-standards-for-teachers
Week 12 Wednesday (31 May 2023) 11:59 pm AEST
Report must be uploaded as a single Word file document to Moodle saved in the following format: EDCU20037_Last name_First name_Task 2
Marked tasks are returned at the conclusion of moderation.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment will be marked against the following criteria:
● Knowledge and understanding of the content, substance and numeracy demands of primary school Mathematics
● Use of Standards frameworks to identify professional learning needs
● Understanding of the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers
● Critical reflection on the personal competence as the basis for a rationale for continued professional learning and improved student learning
Learning Outcomes Assessed
4. Assess and develop personal numeracy skills.
5. Reflect on personal numeracy competence and professional learning to describe processes and strategies that improve teaching practice and student learning.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers addressed in this task
2.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4
- Assess and develop personal numeracy skills
- Reflect on personal numeracy competence to describe ways in which professional learning for teachers contributes to effective teaching practice and improved student learning outcomes.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
