Module: Mathematics Education 4

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mathematics Education 4
Module Code	EDP1124 (ITS: ED4055)
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	2.5

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

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	22	11 x 2-hour workshops
Independent Study	20.5	Structured independent study: Key readings on pedagogical approaches, mathematical ideas, progression in children's thinking. Online engagement via Loop.
Assignment Completion	20	Sourcing, evaluating, refining and/or designing tasks. Connections to key readings. Write-up of assignment.
Total Workload: 62.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	10445	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Siun Nic Mhuiri	Module Teacher	Aisling Twohill, Lorraine Harbison, Paul Grimes

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
In Class Test	10 weekly in-class quizzes worth 3% each	30%	n/a
Assignment	Critical 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; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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, 751, 9781292331447

Articles:

Hourigan, M. & Leavy, A.: 2015, What's a real 2D shape? Designing appropriate geometric instruction, Australian Primary Mathematics Classroom, 20(1), 522177
2001: Are we having fun yet? How teachers use manipulatives to teach mathematics, Educational Studies in Mathematics, 47(2),

Other Resources

1: Website, GeoGebra,
418744: 1, Website, Mathigon,
https://mathigon.org/: 418745, 1, Website, Maths Frame
https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/category/19/shape_and_space: 418746, 1, Website, Maths is Fun
https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/index.html: 418747, 1, Website, NCTM
https://illuminations.nctm.org/: 418748, 1, Website, Nrich
https://nrich.maths.org/: 418749, 1, Website, NZMaths
https://nzmaths.co.nz/: