James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

ED1491:03

Numeracy in Education

Townsville, Cairns, External

HECS Band 1

26 hours lectures, 13 hours tutorials, Semester 1 (Townsville campus); 26 hours lectures, 13 hours tutorials, Semester 2 (Cairns campus). External in Semester 1 for RATEP and BEdServ (Community Support) students.

Available to all level 1 Early Childhood and Primary Preservice teachers.

Staff: Mrs R Faragher (Townsville campus); Dr M Klein (Cairns campus).

The content of this subject ensures that students are adequately and confidently numerate and possess knowledge and understanding of numeracy as a fundamental component of learning, performance, discourse and critique in all life settings. Students investigate mathematical topics which form relevant background for primary and early childhood education. These include mathematical systems, the real number system, elementary number theory, chance and data, deductive and transformational geometry, measurement, pre-algebra and the use of technology in the classroom. The investigative approach adopted will involve searching for patterns, finding relationships, conjecturing, hypothesising, developing principles, generalising and communicating mathematical ideas with confidence.

Learning Objectives:

  1. construct an understanding of numeracy as involving the ability to use a combination of: underpinning mathematical concepts and skills from across the discipline (numerical, spacial, graphical, statistical and algebraic), mathematical thinking and strategies, general thinking skills and grounded appreciation of context;
  2. construct a sound conceptual and procedural knowledge of the mathematics currently experienced in early childhood settings and taught in primary schools;
  3. develop confidence in an ability to apply that knowledge in a primary or early childhood classroom as appropriate.

Assessment by:

Townsville

Portfolio of completed activities (50%); a two-hour examination (50%).

Cairns

Portfolio of completed activities (50%); a two-hour examination (50%).