ECE 2008 Emerging Numeracy 0 to 6 Years

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

From infancy, children are actively engaged in developing concepts which allow the organisation and categorisation of information. Through interaction with the environment during everyday experiences, children construct and test their concepts which include mathematical thinking. It is important that adults (including parents and caregivers) who are influential in the early years of a child's life have an understanding of how young children develop mathematical knowledge so that appropriate experiences may be provided. Additionally, an awareness of the development of mathematical language, fundamental mathematical concepts and skills, and the sequence of the discipline knowledge of mathematics is necessary for teachers to plan effective learning opportunities for children.

SYNOPSIS:

This course examines the development of mathematical concepts and skills in young children. Emphasis is given to the types of learning experiences which encourage the young child's exploration and development of the fundamental concepts, attitudes, and skills involved in emerging numeracy.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the teaching and learning theories associated with mathematical development in young children;
2. apply such theories to the development of appropriate learning and assessment activities;
3. explain the role of language in teaching and learning mathematics;
4. utilise an appropriate mathematical language for teaching and learning mathematics;
5. describe a range of learning environments and materials for young children which enhance mathematical learning;
6. explain the importance of play in mathematical learning;
7. describe mathematical learning opportunities which may be provided through structured and unstructured preschool activities;
8. critically evaluate various mathematical materials to assess their usefulness;
9. identify the mathematical concepts, skills and attitudes which young children usually develop from birth to eight years;
10. describe problem-solving applications for young children which foster their mathematical learning;
11. identify the number skills developed by young children during the preoperational period;
12. list ways in which parents may encourage mathematical learning in young children at home.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   (a) There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   (a) To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If assignments are submitted after the due date without an approved extension of time, University penalties may be applied.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   (a) To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by satisfactorily completing all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   (a) The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   (e) There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There is no examination in this course.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Students might need to visit centres (or other contact with Early Childhood settings) to complete the assignments.