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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Mathematics Education 4
Module Code ED4055 (ITS) / EDP1124 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
Module Co-ordinatorSiun Nic Mhuiri
Module TeachersLorraine Harbison, Paul Grimes
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 2.5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Assignment: (1500 word essay) Analysis and critique of specified course readings; Analysis and critique of specified Shape and Space scheme
Description

This module is designed to provide student teachers with opportunities to explore issues relating to mathematics education, with emphasis on the Shape & Space strand of the Primary Mathematics Curriculum. Attention is paid to the meaningful integration of non-digital and digital tools. The focus is on the consolidation of prior learning (on the BEd programme) and the introduction of new knowledge and skills to extend the range of pedagogical approaches that can be incorporated into mathematics learning; in particular, inclusive practices are promoted with reference to progression in geometric thinking, and the creation, evaluation and critique of tasks to support these practices.

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret important concepts and principles underlying the teaching of Shape & Space, including research-based understandings of progression in children's geometrical thinking
2. Understand and describe key mathematical ideas relating to Shape & Space
3. Research and evaluate resources and representations for the teaching of Shape & Space, including digital and non-digital tools.
4. Analyse and refine or adapt Shape and Space learning tasks for specific purposes.
5. Critically discuss the complexity of issues involved in creating rich, inclusive learning environments for Shape & Space
6. Explicate and defend planning and teaching decisions, in relation to Shape & Space, with reference to research findings



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Workshop2211 x 2-hour workshops
Independent Study20.5Structured independent study: Key readings on pedagogical approaches, mathematical ideas, progression in children&#39;s thinking. Online engagement via Loop.
Assignment Completion20Sourcing, evaluating, refining and/or designing tasks. Connections to key readings. Write-up of assignment.
Total Workload: 62.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Content
1. Engagement with theories around children’s understanding of Shape and Space, with specific attention to frameworks for progression in geometrical thinking. 2. Connecting research theories with the curriculum context. 3. Pedagogical approaches for developing understanding of Shape and Space, including consideration of mathematically productive talk and the use of both non-digital and digital learning tools. 3. Development of mathematical knowledge in the domain of Shape and Space through problem solving and problem posing with a focus on collaboration and reflection. 4. Sourcing and design of cognitively challenging mathematical tasks using both non-digital and digital learning tools. 5. Evaluation and critique of tasks for teaching Shape & Space with attention to modifying tasks to suit children's needs and/or curriculum goals.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
In Class TestLoop quiz on key mathematical ideas and children's developmental progression in Angles10%n/a
In Class TestLoop quiz on key mathematical ideas and children's developmental progression in Transformations10%n/a
In Class TestLoop quiz on key mathematical ideas and children's developmental progression in Spatial Awareness and Location.10%n/a
AssignmentCritical analysis of tasks and research-based recommendations for teaching (900 words)70%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Askew, M.: 2016, Transforming Primary Mathematics: Understanding classroom tasks, tools and talk, Routledge,
  • Cotton, T.: 2010, Understanding and teaching primary mathematics, Longman/Pearson,
  • Davis, A., Goulding, M., & Suggate, J.: 2017, Mathematical Knowledge for Primary Teachers, 5th, Routledge,
  • Department of Education: 2013, First steps in mathematics: Space, Department of Education WA, Western Australia,
  • Frobisher, L., Frobisher, A., Orton, A. & Orton, J.: 2007, Learning to Teach Shape and Space, Nelson Thornes,
  • Government of Ireland: 1999, Primary school curriculum: Mathematics,
  • Kavanagh, L., Shiel, G., & Gilleece, L.: 2014, The 2014 National Assessments of English Reading and Mathematics. Volume II: Context Report, ERC,
  • NCCA: 0, Primary mathematics curriculum: Draft specification: Junior infants to second class: For consultation,
  • PDST: 0, Space and Shape Manual: A guide to teaching and learning in Irish primary schools,
  • Shiel, G., Kavanagh, L., & Millar, D.: 2014, The 2014 National Assessments of English Reading and Mathematics. Volume I: Performance Report, ERC,
  • Van de Walle, J. A., Karp, K. S., & Bay-Williams, J.: 2019, Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, eBook, Global Edition, Pearson Higher Ed, 9781292331447
Other Resources

59842, Website, 0, GeoGebra, https://www.geogebra.org/materials, 59843, Website, 0, Mathigon, https://mathigon.org/, 59844, Website, 0, Maths Frame, https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/19/shape_and_space, 59845, Website, 0, Maths is Fun, https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/index.html, 59846, Website, 0, NCTM, https://illuminations.nctm.org/, 59847, Website, 0, Nrich, https://nrich.maths.org/, 59848, Website, 0, NZMaths, https://nzmaths.co.nz/,

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