Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, the candidate will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Teaching mathematics in the years 5-10, with a special emphasis on numeracy and arithmetic, the transition from arithmetic to algebra, algebra and geometry.
• The role of language in learning mathematics.
• The importance of representational forms in mathematics, and the challenges associated with transitions between representational forms.
• The importance of arithmetic as a basic skill in all school subjects.
• How to express oneself verbally and in writing, the importance of reading, and using digital tools in mathematics.
• Various learning theories, and the relationship between approaches to learning and approaches to the subject.
• A wide repertoire of methods for teaching mathematics.
• Knowledge of the historical development of mathematics, especially with regard to numerals and geometry.

Skills

The candidate can:

• Plan, implement and evaluate mathematics’ teaching for pupils in years 5-10 based on research, theory and practice.
• Demonstrate good practical skills in oral and written communication in mathematics, and expertise in teaching these skills to pupils.
• Work systematically on exploratory activities, reasoning and argumentation.
• Evaluate diagnostic tests and various methods of observation and assessment in order to adapt teaching to the different needs of pupils.
• Assess pupils’ work with regard to achieving aims, with and without grading, and justifying assessment.
• Identify and address learning difficulties in mathematics, and facilitate learning for pupils with different types of learning difficulties.

General competence
The candidate has:

• Understanding of the importance of mathematics as a general education subject, and how it interacts with culture, philosophy and society.
• Insight into the role of mathematics in other subjects and in society at large.
• Knowledge of the importance of the subject mathematics with regard to participation in a democratic society.

Course Description

The course will focus on the following topics:

Number sense: conceptual development, the number concept, the different historical backgrounds of various number systems, the relationship between fractions and decimals, percent and per-thousand calculations, proportionality, factorization, divisibility, figurate numbers

Arithmetic: the four basic arithmetic operations, mental arithmetic, arithmetic strategies, algorithm calculations

Algebra: Algebraic expressions, variable expressions, formulas, fractional expressions (with different levels in the denominator), equations and equation set

Geometry: Two-and three-dimensional shapes such as circles, polygons, spheres and cylinders, polygons and simple polyhedral, structures, calculations, processes such as mirroring, rotation, displacement and glide reflection; symmetry

Subject didactics: Pupils’ way of thinking and attitudes, teaching and learning methods in the subject

ICT: Websites - Excel (spreadsheet) - Geogebra (interactive geometry)

Teaching and Learning Methods

Mathematics 501 is taught over one semester. The course includes varied teaching and learning methods such as lectures, individual exercises and group work. The course includes a mandatory assignment in subject didactics; part of the work on this assignment will be related to the period of teaching practice.

Assessment Methods

The subject didactics assignment must be approved before the students will be permitted to sit the examination.

Five-hour written final examination, which will be assessed on a scale from A to F, where A is the highest grade and E the lowest passing grade. For more information please refer to the Telemark University College’s Examination Regulations.

Permitted examination aids: Drawing and writing materials, calculator.

Attached to the examination paper: the mathematics part of the national curriculum (LK06), formulas.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean