Outline

Overview

This third extension unit of study for student teachers doing double mathematics method aims to enrich knowledge, skills and understanding of calculus-based mathematics courses in the senior secondary years of schooling, and provide an examination of various successful approaches to teaching, learning and assessing. By exploring particular topics from the higher-level calculus-based courses, student teachers will design units of work and present research-based teaching ideas to their peers. The impact of high-stakes assessment on students' motivation and engagement in school mathematics will be considered. By collecting samples of alternative assessment tasks, student teachers will evaluate the efficacy of using similar alternatives to provide constructive feedback to students about their knowledge, skills and understanding of mathematics. Self-theories and views of 'ability' will be considered in relation to the development of school students' mathematical identities. The development of a mathematical identity and its impact on choices to continue to study mathematics in the senior years of schooling and beyond will be investigated. The impact of linguistic, social and cultural backgrounds will be highlighted from the research literature with further discussions about the types of social norms frequently established in mathematics classrooms.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Education
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	120 credit points of units, including EDSE3064
Corequisites ?	EDSE4028
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ben Zunica, benjamin.zunica@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Ben Zunica, benjamin.zunica@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Eddie Woo, eddie.woo@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Unit of work and presentation on a topic from Mathematics Extension 1 or Extension 2 See Canvas for further details.	50%	Multiple weeks Due date: 13 Apr 2025 at 23:59	2250 words per person
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Paper on an issue in mathematics education See Canvas for further details.	50%	Week 04 Due date: 23 Mar 2025 at 23:59	2250 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Paper on an issue in mathematics education: This assessment is composed of a preliminary activity and a paper on issues in mathematics teaching and learning. A- Preliminary activity. To prepare for researching and writing your paper, samples of student essays will be available on Canvas for you to read and assess using a proforma. B – Paper on Issues in Mathematics Teaching and Learning. Research a particular issue or topic that is relevant to the teaching and learning of mathematics in the senior secondary classroom.
Unit of work and presentation on a topic from Mathematics Extension 1 or Extension 2: This assessment involves two parts, to develop a unit of work and an online presentation of good teaching ideas. A – Develop a unit of work. In groups, choose a topic from either of the Mathematics Extension 1 or the Mathematics Extension 2 courses for the NSW HSC. Using research, past HSC examination papers, reports from the Examination Centre, textbooks, teaching resource books, ideas from the internet, and any other suitable resources, develop a teaching program for the topic. B – Presentation of Good Teaching Ideas. Select the most innovative teaching ideas from the unit of work to present via an online platform to the class in about 15 minutes.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Overview of unit and assessment. Effective research strategies in mathematics education. Mathematics Extension 2 syllabus.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 01	Changes to the Extension 1 Syllabus post 2019 with professional learning opportunities. Sequencing Ext 1 with Advanced. Inequalities in Ext 1.	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 02	Extension Maths and scaling in the HSC. Preparing for Uni level Mathematics. Discussion of Papers for Assignment 1. The role of reflective practice and ongoing professional learning.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	Inverse Functions. Polynomials. Differential Equations. Leadership in Mathematics Education.	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 03	Teaching strategies for Extension 2 Mathematics. Vectors in Extension 1 and Extension 2.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	Mathematics Extension 2 teaching ideas and misconceptions. Complex Numbers. Intro to Proof in Extension 2	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 04	Intro to Proof in Extension 2. Integration in Advanced and Extension 1	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	Calculus in Extension 2 Maths. Mechanics in Extension 2. Solving Qs in Ext 2.	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 05	Big ideas in Mathematics Extension 1: Permutations, Combinations and Factorials. Supporting engagement in Stage 6.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	Mathematics Extension 1 teaching ideas and misconceptions: Binomial Distribution and the Normal. Logarithmic and Exponential Functions.	Seminar (4 hr)
Week 06	Curve sketching in Extension Mathematics. Inverse Trigonometric functions. Mathematical Induction. Tactics to solve HSC Exam Qs in Ext 1.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	Presentations on units of study	Seminar (4 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

The FASS Student Attendance at classes provisions were updated to provide clarity and guidelines around student attendance. These are in effect from 1 January, 2025.

At this stage, the relevant clauses within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Resolutions: Coursework Awards are unchanged, with a view to review these in 2025. These are:

(1) Students are expected to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non-attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be included in the requirements specified for a unit of study.

(2) Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90 per cent of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority. The Associate Dean or relevant delegated authority may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items when attendance is lower than 90 per cent.

(3) The case of any formally enrolled student who is absent from 50% or more of classes, regardless of the reasons for the absence, will be automatically referred to the end-of-semester departmental examiners’ meeting for a determination as to whether the student should pass or fail the unit, or, if a pass is awarded, the level of penalty that should be applied.

(4) In exceptional circumstances, for example where there are Work Health and Safety considerations or professional accreditation requirements, and with the approval of the relevant delegate, unit of study coordinators may set out additional attendance criteria in the unit of study outline.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Hine, G., Reaburn, R., Anderson, J. et al. (2016). Teaching Secondary Mathematics. Sydney: Cambridge University Press.

NSW Education Standards Authority. (2017). Mathematics Extension 1 Stage 6 Syllabus. Sydney: NSW Education Standards Authority.

NSW Education Standards Authority. (2017). Mathematics Extension 2 Stage 6 Syllabus. Sydney: NSW Education Standards Authority.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify misconceptions and issues in the teaching and learning of the Mathematics Extension 1 and Mathematics Extension 2 HSC courses and to address these issues, develop a teaching program and lessons that include a broad range of teaching strategies including ICT
LO2. develop an understanding of the impact of high-stakes assessment on student engagement and motivation and of the assessment alternatives which can be used for a range of assessment purposes
LO3. appreciate the relationship between school students' backgrounds, self theories and views of ability, and the development of a mathematics identity which in turn influences decisions about studying mathematics beyond the compulsory years of schooling
LO4. investigate current theories in mathematics education to further develop research-based pedagogies and awareness of how students learn
LO5. develop an understanding of the critical role of reflection on practice through teacher inquiry and the approaches to ongoing professional learning including action learning and action research, and the relevant policies and policy documents on professional learning for teachers in NSW schools
LO6. consider the leadership possibilities available to mathematics teachers including leading a mathematics faculty in a school and active and ongoing participation in professional teacher associations.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes	Competency standards
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area. 2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence. 2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans. 2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas. 2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students. 3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies. 3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies. 3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities. 5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning. 5.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of providing timely and appropriate feedback to students about their learning.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching. 1.3.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of teaching strategies that are responsive to the learning strengths and needs of students from diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. 2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area. 3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies. 3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning. 3.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge of strategies that can be used to evaluate teaching programs to improve student learning.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs. 6.2.1. (Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers. 6.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.
	Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - 6.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers in identifying professional learning needs. 7.4.1. (Graduate) Understand the role of external professionals and community representatives in broadening teachers’ professional knowledge and practice.

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -

Competency code	Taught, Practiced or Assessed	Competency standard
1.2.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.5.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
2.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1		(Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1		(Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.5.1		(Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
2.6.1		(Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1		(Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1		(Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1		(Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
3.5.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate a range of verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to support student engagement.
4.1.1		(Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
6.2.1		(Graduate) Understand the relevant and appropriate sources of professional learning for teachers.
6.4.1		(Graduate) Demonstrate an understanding of the rationale for continued professional learning and the implications for improved student learning.

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes

Additional information

More information about this Unit of Study can be found on Canvas.

Site visit guidelines

If you are undertaking professional experience/field education placement as part of your enrolment in this unit of study, please assess your specific needs and requirements for the safe and successful completion of an external placement within a host organisation. You will be given the opportunity to disclose any health issues that have a work health and safety significance before arranging a placement so that your safety, and the safety of others, can be properly assessed. The Professional Experience Coordinator/Field Education Manager will work to ensure that the workplace assignment to you is appropriate for your needs and requirements. If you are experiencing disability, and require reasonable adjustments to be arranged, please contact Disability Services as early as possible prior to commencing the internship. Please note, in all cases, and for the purpose of organising reasonable adjustments, only the impact and not the nature, of your disability will be disclosed to the host organisation.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

EDSE4029: Teaching Mathematics 3B

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Alignment with Competency standards

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links