Unit rationale, description and aim
The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians states that successful learners have essential skills in literacy and numeracy, are able to think deeply and logically, and are able to make sense of their world and solve problems in creative and innovative ways.
This unit uses a problem-solving approach and an emphasis on deep learning and deep knowledge of foundation mathematical content knowledge needed for teaching and participation in everyday life. Development and refinement of mathematical skills in estimation and computation, problem solving, and investigations are explored in the areas of number, measurement and data. Technical mathematical language is explored. Developing independent learners is a focus with students self-diagnosing areas for personal further development to broaden and deepen their understanding. The content and assessment in this unit highlights the ways to further develop mathematical content knowledge and how it is used in real-world contexts.
This unit aims to equip students with conceptual understanding of mathematics, skills in communicating and problem solving for teaching in primary schools.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Demonstrate understanding and application of mathe...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnected...
Learning Outcome 02
Communicate mathematical thinking and reasoning us...
Learning Outcome 03
Solve a variety of mathematical problems and tasks...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Numbers and Counting
- Place value;
- Natural numbers, integers, factors, prime numbers;
- Computational strategies including mental, estimation and use of calculators;
- Rational numbers and their representations as fractions and decimal fractions, percentages, simple operations with fractions;
- Additive and multiplicative thinking.
- Foundations of Measurement
- Length, area, mass, volume and time
- Metric and other measurement systems
- Relationships between units
- Estimating, recording and measuring.
- Representation and interpretation of data
- Population and samples;
- Measures of centre and spread within the data;
- Summarising, analysing, presenting, interpreting data.
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks for this unit have been designed to contribute to high quality student learning by both helping students learn (assessment for learning), and by measuring explicit evidence of their learning (assessment of learning). Assessments have been developed to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The assessment tasks provide multiple opportunities (presentation, problem solving and examination) in different ways (visual, verbal and written) for students to demonstrate:
- Knowledge of content
- Application of mathematics in real world contexts
- Development, use and communication of appropriate mathematical language
Overview of assessments
Hurdle task Develop a self-directed learning act...
Hurdle task
Develop a self-directed learning action plan, report on its implementation and evaluate with personal critical reflection its impact on learning.
Pass/Fail
Assessment Task 1: Presentation Individual or pa...
Assessment Task 1: Presentation
Individual or paired task
Present the findings of an investigative task which uses mathematics in a real world context.
25%
Assessment Task 2: Problem Solving Portfolio Pro...
Assessment Task 2: Problem Solving Portfolio
Problem Solving Folio demonstrating capacity in problem solving, conceptual understanding, procedural proficiency and reflection on learning.
35%
Assessment Task 3: Final Examination Written exa...
Assessment Task 3: Final Examination
Written examination demonstrating an understanding of key mathematical content and problem solving skills undertaken in the unit.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit is delivered in away-from-base mode with intensive learning residential blocks twice a semester. A variety of learning and teaching approaches are sequenced and integrated to comprise a progressive and developmental learning and teaching strategy emphasising collaborative learning and cultural sensitivity. Students are expected to share experiences and challenges with each colleague students in order to develop a community of mathematical practice. The unit employs stimulating adult learning strategies to maximise student engagement and critical reflection. These include:
- Face to face learning – seminars, tutorials and workshops
- Collaborative learning
- Practical activities
- Self-directed study
- Required readings
- Multi-media sources and viewing