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Unit of study_

EDUP4074: Mathematics Education 3

Semester 1, 2022 [Normal day] - Remote

This compulsory unit of study is the third and final unit in primary mathematics education. It is designed to build on the content and ideas introduced in Mathematics Education 1 and 2, with emphasis on Number and Algebra Strand in Stages 2 and 3 of the NSW Mathematics Syllabus for the Australian Curriculum. The unit will explore how children's mathematical thinking strategies develop via research-based frameworks and assessment-based planning for teaching.

Unit details and rules

Unit code EDUP4074
Academic unit Education
Credit points 4
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
138 credit points including EDUP3004 and EDUP3006 and EDUP3007 and EDUP3009 and EDUP3034
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Heather McMaster, heather.mcmaster@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment hurdle task group assignment Assignment 1a Writing a diagnostic interview
Assessment-based planning part A of a 3-part assignment. See Canvas.
5% Week 03 200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6
Assignment hurdle task Assignment 1b Student profile
Assessment-based planning part B of a 3-part assignment. See Canvas.
35% Week 06 1250 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Assignment group assignment Assignment 1c Unit of work design
Assessment-based planning part C of a 3-part assignment. See Canvas.
20% Week 08 800 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4 LO6
Assignment group assignment Professional Learning
Concept explanation using digital media. See Canvas.
40% Week 11 750 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment-based planning: This is a three-part assignment requiring students to develop and demonstrate their ability to design and implement a task-based assessment (diagnostic) interview protocol for stage 2/3 fractions, then plan appropriate learning experiences to cater for the differing needs of a class.
  • Concept explanation using digital media: Working in pairs, you will create a 3-minute presentation. demonstrating your ability to identify key teaching points on a specific mathematics concept (or very narrow focus topic), communicate effectively with professional peers (i.e. fellow teachers), and demonstrate critical appreciation of digital media in mathematics education.

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

Exceptional

Distinction

75 - 84

Very high

Credit

65 - 74

Good

Pass

50 - 64

Acceptable

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Unit introduction; 2. Representations in mathematics; 3. Issues in fractions learning; 4. Assignment 1 briefing Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO7
1. Multiple representations of fractions concepts and processes; 2. Whole class lessons using technology Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 02 1. Fractions framework – development of proportional thinking; 2. Task-based interviews Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO4 LO7
1. Designing diagnostic tasks for fractions concepts and skills; 2. Feedback on assessment Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 1. Multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning; 2. Equivalence and operations with fractions Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
1. Supporting transition to mental strategies and symbolic notation; 2. Calculators for fractions; 3. Anticipating misconceptions and misunderstandings Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 04 Place value with whole numbers and decimal fractions Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
1. Tasks and resources to promote understanding of decimal fractions; 2. Designing open-ended tasks; 3. Connecting multiple representations Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 05 1. Number sense and mental strategies; 2. Estimation and approximation Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
1. Developing addition and subtraction algorithms; 2. Concrete to abstract transitions Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 1. Designing lesson sequences; 2. Differentiation Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Group meetings Tutorial (1 hr) LO2
Week 07 1. Technologies and pedagogy in mathematics; 2. Assignment 2 briefing Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Developing multiplication and division strategies and algorithms Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Algebraic thinking and working mathematically Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Investigation and generalisation – promoting engagement, reasoning and communication; 2. Mixed interaction patterns and productive discussion Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 1. Expectation and variation; 2. Chance framework – probabilistic thinking Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
1. Social, experimental and theoretical probability; 2. Connecting multiple representations; 3. Social context and the role of language Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 10 1. Expectation and variation; 2. Data handling and argumentation – statistical thinking; 3. Utilising software and the internet Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
1. Organising, representing and displaying data; 2. Critical evaluation of data processes; 3. Teaching strategies to enhance intellectual quality Tutorial (1 hr) LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 1. Numeracy and integration; 2. Financial literacy; 3. Matching philosophy to practice Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Student presentations of concept explanations Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 12 1. Continuing professional learning; 2. Programming mathematics – scope, sequence, timing, textbooks Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Completion of student presentations Tutorial (1 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney School of Education and Social Work requires attendance of at least 90 percent of all seminars, workshops or lectures. Where a student is unable to attend at the required rate evidence of illness or misadventure may be required and the student may be required to undertake extra work. Students should discuss the circumstances of their absence(s) with the co-ordinator of the unit of study. Further details are provided in the School canvas site: https://canvas.sydney.edu.au/courses/13426

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 4 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 80-100 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed on links available on Canvas.

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. use a diagnostic interview to assess a child’s level of mathematical thinking and analyse the results in relation to a research-based framework of number development
  • LO2. demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with peers in the design of a sequence of learning experiences based on the outcomes of diagnostic assessments
  • LO3. utilise appropriate ICT to further your own knowledge in mathematics education and communicate professionally with peers
  • LO4. develop the ability to choose, provide and use appropriate mathematical activities that promote risk taking, foster efficient learning strategies, develop positive attitudes, promote enjoyment and provide opportunities for children to create for themselves mathematical thinking skills
  • LO5. demonstrate your understanding of a variety of assessment strategies, including clinical interviewing, observation and work sample analysis, and evaluate, record and report a child’s developing mathematical need
  • LO6. demonstrate the integration of theory and practice through the choice of activities and assessment methods
  • LO7. build on your own personal philosophy of how children learn mathematics based on readings, reflections and practical experiences.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered except the textbook has been removed and learning outcomes have been added to each lecture and tutorial class.

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.