Unit rationale, description and aim
In an increasingly technological society, a strong understanding of mathematics is a major asset to an individual seeking to participate fully and meaningfully in society. This unit, following on from Exploring Mathematics 1, uses a problem solving approach and an emphasis on deep understanding of important mathematical content knowledge needed for teaching. There is a particular emphasis in content and assessment on “real-world” applications of mathematics. The kinds of approaches to teaching and learning advocated in Learning and Teaching Mathematics 1 and Learning and Teaching Mathematics 2 are modelled in this unit, where the desire is to increase the confidence and competence of students with mathematics.
This unit aims to provide pre-service teachers with a deep understanding of important mathematical content knowledge needed for teaching, with a focus on rational number (fractions, decimals, and percentages), proportional reasoning, probability and statistics, and algebraic thinking and reasoning.
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 a connected understanding of mathemati...
Learning Outcome 01
Describe the mathematics used in a variety of empl...
Learning Outcome 02
Discuss the connections between different mathemat...
Learning Outcome 03
Effectively use appropriate technologies in proble...
Learning Outcome 04
Demonstrate how mathematics is a powerful tool in ...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
- Problem solving and mathematical modelling
- Rational number (fractions, decimals, percentages)
- Proportional reasoning
- Probability
- Statistics
- Algebraic thinking and reasoning.
- Technology and mathematics
- Mathematics and numeracy in the workplace
- The use of mathematics in the media
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment tasks and their weightings are designed to allow pre-service teachers to progressively demonstrate achievement against the unit learning outcomes and demonstrate attainment of professional standards.
Minimum Achievement Standards
The assessment tasks for this unit are designed to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 Mathematics beyond the classroo...
Assessment Task 1
Mathematics beyond the classroom. This may involve mathematics in the workplace, or in a second curriculum area. A report of findings will be made which may, for example, be an electronic presentation that provides a useful resource for their peers.
30%
Assessment Task 2 Problem solving: Students will ...
Assessment Task 2 Problem solving: Students will engage in a series of problem solving tasks during the course. Formal assessment of this will occur though one or more of the following:
- the presentation of a group or individual problem solving presentation,
- an oral presentation,
- a written report,
- the presentation of a folio
The selected task must address the required Learning Outcomes
30%
Assessment Task 3 Written examination: Students w...
Assessment Task 3
Written examination: Students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of key mathematical content and problem solving skills in an examination, which will consist of a range of mathematical problems.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Pre-service teachers will be involved in a variety of teaching-learning strategies to progress and demonstrate their understandings in this unit. Participants will be involved in a variety of teaching-learning strategies to support learning, including: lectures, tutorials, workshops, self-guided tasks, web-based tasks, and fieldwork.
This is a 10-credit point unit and has been designed to ensure that the time needed to complete the required volume of learning to the requisite standard is approximately 150 hours in total with a normal expectation of 36 hours of directed study and the total contact hours should not exceed 36 hours. Directed study might include lectures, tutorials, webinars, podcasts etc. The balance of the hours then become private study.
AUSTRALIAN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS FOR TEACHERS - GRADUATE LEVEL
On successful completion of this unit, pre-service teachers should be able to:
Locations
Credit points
Year
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