Module: Teaching & Assessing Junior Cycle Maths

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Teaching & Assessing Junior Cycle Maths
Module Code	EDS1105
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will provide students with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the learning outcomes of the Junior Cycle mathematics curriculum. The module will be interactive and discursive and will engage students in designing and developing pedagogies to address those outcomes.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe different philosophies of mathematics education and their influence on teaching.
2. Describe and discuss the learning outcomes and associated content of the Junior Certificate mathematics specification and the rationale underpinning the specification
3. Design rich teaching, learning and assessment tasks for Junior Cycle mathematics, including the teaching and assessment of numeracy
4. Design activities which provide for the learning needs of all pupils
5. Incorporate appropriate technologies in mathematics teaching and learning activities
6. Evaluate and interpret pupils' work in terms of evidence for attainment of specified learning outcomes and identification of misconceptions

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	36	Mathematics teaching activities
Directed learning	30	Design and preparation of teaching, learning and assessment materials; responses to assignments
Independent Study	59	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11997	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Natalie O'Neill	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	A variety of in-class and take-home assignments dealing with the different aspects of the course.	100%	As required

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

Context
Study of the purposes of mathematics education; exploration of the development of mathematics teaching and learning in Irish Post Primary schools at junior cycle

Syllabus
Analysis of current Junior Cycle Mathematics specification

Methodology
Examination, development and implementation of appropriate methodological approaches for mathematics and numeracy

Assessment
Identification and development of the appropriate knowledge and skills necessary to assess pupils' progress in mathematics

Reflection
Reflecting on the influence of different philosophies of mathematics and of mathematics education on teaching approaches; teachers as reflective practitioners

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Department of Education and Skills: 0, Junior Cycle Mathematics Specification,
John van de Walle et al: 2009, Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally, Pearson,
L. Haggerty: 2001, Aspects of Teaching Secondary Mathematics: Perspectives on Practice, Routledge,
Anne Watson and John Mason: 1998, Questions and Prompts for Mathematical Thinking, Association of Teachers of Mathematics,
Bremigan, E., Bremigan, R. & Lorch, J.: 0, Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers, ebook,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None