James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED1491 - Foundations of Mathematics and Numeracy for Middle School Teachers

Subject Description

This subject introduces the professional mathematics and numeracy knowledge required of middle school teachers in primary and secondary contexts. This comprises the content knowledge that teachers need to teach and the numeracy demands of the teaching profession. There is a focus on students and pre-service teachers as diverse numeracy learners in primary and secondary settings. With respect to professional numeracy knowledge, an understanding of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics (up to and including Year 9) is required. Pre-service teachers will be introduced to models of numeracy, and will explore and reflect upon the numeracy demands of their own secondary teaching areas through exploration of the Numeracy General Capability. Pre-service teachers will also be introduced to the quantitative skills required to generate and interpret data to help make informed decisions about their teaching. For secondary pre-service teachers, this subject includes an embedded 5-day Professional Experience placement to enable observation, reflection and practical implementation of the learning(s) in this subject.

Learning Outcomes

• 2. demonstrate the professional numeracy skills required to interpret student data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice
• 3. reflect on current mathematical and numeracy skills, knowledge and dispositions, guided by the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, to identify professional learning needs and relevant sources of professional learning
• 4. demonstrate a range of teaching strategies for differentiating numeracy and mathematics teaching to meet the specific learning needs of diverse learners
• 1. identify, develop and demonstrate the numeracy content knowledge and skills required for enacting the Numeracy General Capability in primary and secondary contexts
• 5. identify a range of strategies for keeping accurate and reliable records of student data, and reporting to students and parents/carers

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination - In class - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Workbook - (25%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Portfolio - (25%) - 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

Achieve 50% or more on the final examination and 50% overall. Complete consecutive 5 day Placement, submit Satisfactory grading - Minimum Developing Adequately in all descriptors on the Professional Experience Report is required to pass the subject. Attendance at Professional Experience Workshops meets placement requirement procedures of the Work Integrated Learning Program. If repeating the subject, the reattempt at all subject assessments including the Placement is a requirement.

Availabilities