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 years 5-10, with a particular emphasis on measurement, functions, statistics and probability.
• 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.
• How to use various teaching aids, both digital and others, and the possibilities and limitations of such teaching aids.
• Knowledge of the historical development of mathematics, especially with regard to the concepts of functions and probability.

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 skills

The candidate:

• Has gained an understanding of the importance of mathematics as a general education subject, and how it interacts with culture, philosophy and society.
• Has gained insight into the role of mathematics in other subjects and in society at large.
• Understands how mathematics is an important facet of education in a democratic society.
  

Course Description

The course will focus on the following topics:

Measurement:

Not standardized units - Length, area, volume - Weight (mass) - Time – Measurement instruments - Measurement uncertainty - Currency

Functions:

Linear Functions - Quadratic functions of varying degrees - Simple rational functions – Exponential functions

Statistics:

Data collection and presentation - Interpreting graphs - Central values and distribution

Probability:

Probability models - “The Law of Large Numbers”, geometric models and uniform models - Combinatorics - Hypergeometric and binomial distribution

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

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

Teaching and Learning Methods

Mathematics 502 is taught over one semester. The course includes varied teaching and learning methods such as lectures, individual exercises and group work. It 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

Students will submit a written assignment, which will be mainly related to the course topics, which must be approved before the student will be permitted to sit the examination.

Students will be given a final individual oral examination (45 minutes). The examination will be assessed according to 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.

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