Primary Mathematics Education 1 (EDUC90778)

This subject provides an orientation to teaching mathematics in Victorian primary schools. Teacher Candidates will develop pedagogical content knowledge for the effective teaching and learning of the following mathematics strands from Prep to Year 6:

• Content Strand: Number and Algebra
• Proficiencies: Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving, Reasoning.

Within this content strand, Teacher Candidates will analyse the development of key concepts in primary mathematics and identify critical progression points for children’s learning. They will consider typical conceptions and misconceptions held by children, their likely causes, diagnostic tools to diagnose them and teaching strategies for changing them.

Teacher Candidates will be introduced to assessment schemes for children’s understanding (e.g., Mathematics Online Interview) to improve school students’ learning in the content strand Number and Algebra. The four proficiencies will be introduced and Teacher Candidates will identify the advantages and limitations of particular assessment items for monitoring children’s understanding.

Teacher Candidates will consider Victorian and Australian curriculum documents and resources, lesson planning, classroom assessment and effective use of resources.

Teacher Candidates will consider important pedagogical issues such as: questioning, selection of good examples, representations and models of mathematical ideas. By widening their appreciation of exemplary mathematics teaching, Teacher Candidates are expected to develop reflective mathematics teaching practices.