Learning outcome

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

Knowledge:

The candidate has knowledge of:

- Research into the teaching of maths in the primary and lower secondary school

- Teaching various forms of mathematical evidence and argumentation, and theoretical knowledge of geometry, trigonometry, algebra, combinatorics and probability

- Key areas and models in statistics and can apply them in realistic situations

- Discovery processes in maths: experimentation, hypothesis formation, explanation and falsification, generalization, and how to organise teaching taking this into account

Skills

The candidate can:

- Communicate specialized knowledge in a chosen didactics’ topic in maths and / or maths topic relevant for years 5-10

- Use quantitative and qualitative research methods when conducting research in didactics

- Work systematically using theory to map learning difficulties in maths, and adapt teaching for pupils who have learning difficulties, for example, through training strategies

- Assess pupils’ learning in the discipline as a basis for facilitating teaching and adapting teaching

- Use a variety of teaching methods grounded in theory and his/her own experience, including choice, assessment and design of tasks and activities

- Gain experience from a realistic teaching situation where both the planning and implementation of lessons are included, and then reflect on this

General competence
The candidate can:

- Participate in local development work related to maths teaching

- Participate in research and other collaborative projects with a view to improving maths teaching

Course Description

Mathematics 504 provides an introduction to statistics and probability theory based on the topics:

Basic statistical concepts such as expectation values, variance and standard deviation - analysis of data through tables and graphs - interpretations and implications of the concept of probability - probability models, and application of these in model building and problem solving - combinatorial selection methods and principles - interpretation and application of stochastic variables - the usual probability distributions: binomial, hypergeometric, normal and Poisson - estimation - principles of hypothesis testing and application to practical problems - the basic theory of correlation and regression.

The students will carry out a subject didactics project in mathematics where the theme will be the use of IT in teaching mathematics. They will become familiar with the requirements for the use of IT in the “Knowledge Promotion” school reform, and consider how the objectives of this reform may be achieved. They will orient themselves concerning the resources available on internet, and gain insight into the use of standard programs for mathematics.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Mathematics 504 is taught over one academic year, with final examinations in May / June. The course usually has 4 hours of teaching per week (please refer to the semester plan). Teaching includes lectures and practice, which is flexibly organised. 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