Course Description

It is a common belief that mathematics should only be taught in schools and not in day care centres. However, small children of only a year old may be confronted with mathematical activities and react by thinking and expressing themselves. Children are basically curious and interested in exploring and learning. In the beginning they learn through play. Then after a period of time activities may be directed towards a more active and conscious learning. Many different subjects may stimulate the general interest in learning and knowledge. Mathematics plays a central role in this context because the subject constitutes an integral part of the child’s overall development.

At an early age the child becomes acquainted with the many terms of mathematical language. Pre-school teachers in the day care centre may stimulate this development. It is of central importance that students become aware of the way in which a child uses mathematics as part of his/her language: children develop the ability to use terms when they use language to express themselves. Being as precise as possible in the use of mathematical terms represents an important aspect of mathematical understanding.

Children are constantly interpreting their surroundings. In this context mathematics is a useful tool. Logical thinking is often related to the basic need of the individual to create order and gain an overview of his/her surroundings. Mathematical activity will often result in reinforcing and visualising logical thinking in the child. It is important to stimulate this development as early as the pre-school years. The pre-school teacher must be familiar with these aspects of the subject.

During the course of the training for pre-school teachers, it is important that students gain insight into how mathematics may function as a useful auxiliary tool to describe and structure reality.

Assessment Methods

Obligatory assignments

To sit the exam students are required to have received passing marks for:

• A written examination related to activity/plan within the subject areas numbers and calculating with numbers or geometry, at the pre-school level.
• An oral assignment, i.e. related to the interdisciplinary project work.
• A log that shows observation of mathematical activities in the day care centre related to a specific age.
• Participation in the interdisciplinary project.

Final examination

An individual 4-hour written examination relating to 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3. Students will receive a grade on their diploma. Grades are given on a scale A to F, where A is the highest and E the lowest passing grade.

Refer also to Telemark University College Examination Regulation.

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