Learning outcome

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

Knowledge:

The candidate has knowledge of:

• Algebra, functions, statistics, combinatorics and probability and can relate this knowledge to the primary school curriculum
• The role of language in learning mathematics
• Common interaction patterns and communication related to mathematics teaching
• The importance semiotic representational forms have 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
• Mathematics’ content in the kindergarten and lower secondary level and the transitions kindergarten / school and primary education / lower secondary
• Various learning theories, and the relationship between approaches to learning and approaches to the subject
• A wide repertoire of methods for teaching mathematics

Skills

The candidate can:

• Plan, implement and evaluate mathematics’ teaching for pupils in years 1-7 with a focus on variety and pupil activity, 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
• Use methods that promote pupils’ sense of wonder, creativity and ability to work systematically with exploratory activities, reasoning, argumentation and evidence
• Use and evaluate diagnostic tests and various methods of observation and assessment in order to adapt teaching to the diverse needs of learners
• Communicate with pupils, individually and in groups, listen to, evaluate and make use of pupils’ suggestions, and institutionalize knowledge
• Analyse and evaluate pupils’ ways of thinking, reasoning and methods for solving problems from different perspectives of knowledge and learning
• Identify and address learning difficulties in mathematics, and facilitate learning for pupils with different types of learning difficulties

General competence

The candidate:

• Can understand the importance of mathematics as a general education subject
• Has insight into the role of mathematics in other subjects and in society at large
• Has knowledge of the importance of the subject mathematics with regard to participation in a democratic society

Course Description

Algebra

Factorisation and reducing algebraic expressions – calculation using formulas - equations of first and second degree - simple inequalities - equations with two unknowns - the importance of the equals sign

Functions

Function concept - linear functions - simple quadratic functions - rational functions - exponential - various forms of representation - uses of functions in practical problems

Statistics

Collection and representation of data - interpretation of charts - central tendency and dispersion

Combinatorics and probability

The probability concept - relative frequency and theoretical probability - law of large numbers - uniform distribution – combinatorics

Subject didactics

Pupils’ thinking and attitudes – the subject’s teaching and learning methods

ICT

Websites - Excel (spreadsheet) - GeoGebra (interactive geometry).

Teaching and Learning Methods

Mathematics 102 is taught over one semester. The course includes varied teaching and learning methods. It will be organized in two ways: through workshops on campus and communication between teachers and students online. One joint workshop session will be held during the course of the module. The workshop include joint lectures, group work, individual exercises, tutorials, practical work, etc. Teaching will also be given online. The course includes a mandatory assignment, where part of the work will be related to teaching practice. The assignment may be given as an interdisciplinary task in collaboration with the subject, pedagogy.

Assessment Methods

The assignment is assessed on a pass / fail basis. The assignment must be approved before the course can be approved. The individual final 5-hour examination will be held at the end of the fourth semester. The examination is 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 Telemark University College’s Examination Regulations.

Permitted examination aids: Drawing and writing materials and calculator. The mathematics section of the Curriculum, LK06, will be attached to the examination paper.

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