James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

ED5916 - Mathematics and Numeracy for Primary Teachers

Subject Description

This subject introduces the professional mathematical and numeracy knowledge required of primary school teachers. This comprises the content knowledge that teachers need to cope successfully with the numeracy demands of their profession in the contexts of the classroom and education more generally. As a Phase One subject, there will be a focus on students and Graduate Student Teachers as numeracy learners and learning in primary schools. With respect to professional numeracy knowledge, content knowledge of the mathematics curriculum up to and including Year 9 mathematics as described in the Australian Curriculum is required. Specialised content knowledge is required of the Foundation to Year Six curriculum and is defined as describing the essential features, connections, contexts and communication involved in the concepts, procedures and ways of thinking of that mathematics. Pedagogical content knowledge in this subject will focus on common student misconceptions and the delivery of accurate, conceptually strong mathematics content. In this subject, Graduate Student Teachers will also be introduced to the quantitative skills required to generate and interpret data to help them make effective pedagogical decisions.

Learning Outcomes

• identify, develop and demonstrate the numeracy content knowledge and skills required for teaching the ACARA curriculum (Years P-6), specific to teaching disciplines and for interacting broadly within the profession
• demonstrate the professional numeracy skills required to interact with a diverse range of stakeholders (e.g., colleagues, parents and students)
• reflect on current numeracy skills, knowledge and attitudes to these areas, to manage professional learning needs and performance, autonomously and in collaboration with others

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (65%) - Individual
• Written > Workbook - (35%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Special Assessment Requirements

A pass in the final examination is required to pass the subject overall.

Assumed Knowledge:  This subject assumes Graduate Student Teachers are entering the subject competent in basic arithmetic, algebra and statistics. Basic arithmetic is defined as the application of the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with integers and fractions and the use of percentages. Elementary algebra is defined as simplifying expressions; substituting values into expressions; solving linear equations; and graphing linear functions. Basic statistics is being able to compare data sets using the range, mean, mode and median.

Availabilities