TEA 3105 Mathematics in Early Childhood

STAFFING:

REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

Children develop many sophisticated mathematical ideas long before they enter formal schooling. Appreciation of the early stages of mathematical thinking and awareness of ways to sustain the continuity of each child's developing mathematical ideas are foundational to teaching mathematics in the early years. Teachers' decisions about the content and character of educational experiences have important consequences on children's emerging mathematical thinking. A problem-centred approach to learning, and engagement of children in meaningful experiences are hallmarks of a program that supports developing mathematical thinking.

SYNOPSIS:

The course is based upon the study of children as they emerge as mathematical thinkers. While revisiting some of their own mathematical concepts early childhood educators will gain first-hand knowledge of the concepts and processes involved in working with a community of early mathematical learners. The content areas of Number, Operation, Pattern, Spatial Relationships, Measurement, and Data Analysis will be explored. Students will be challenged by working with mathematics at their own level yet at the same time relating the processes of learning and teaching to the young child's context. By exploring ways to become creative problem solvers students will develop their own mathematics as well as gain insight into the learning and teaching of mathematics in the early years. This course explores the characteristic developmental processes and range of mathematical ideas of young children for setting appropriate goals in mathematics education in the early childhood years. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.

OBJECTIVES:

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

1. develop early childhood mathematics education programs based on local, national and international perspectives
2. critically analyse research and curriculum development that relates to mathematics education in early education
3. enhance access and equity in early childhood mathematics
4. demonstrate ability to plan effectively for a problem-centered and creative mathematics learning environment
5. be familiar with the organisation required for effective mathematics learning environments in the early years
6. develop a repertoire of mathematics concepts and teaching strategies appropriate for facilitating early mathematical thinking.

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:

NOTES:

1.

The examiner will advise the due date for this assessment item.

2.

Professional Experience dates as per Professional Experience timetable. A value of one (1) indicates you have passed the professional experience component. A value of zero (0) indicates you have not passed the professional experience component.

3.

The examiner will advise the due date of the Professional Experience Folder.

4.

Students will be advised of the examination date for this course when the official examination timetable for semester 2 2005 has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the student's responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all activities (such as lectures, tutorials, laboratories and practical work) scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to tem 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. Students must complete the set number of days of Professional Experience as fulfilment of the Department of Families requirements. To ensure that students can satisfy the objectives of the Professional Experience component of the course, attendance and active participation in lectures and tutorials in this course prior to undertaking Professional Experience is highly recommended.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   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 will be applied (refer to the University's assignment extension policy (Regulation 5.6.1)).
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate that they have achieved the minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the Professional Experience; (ii) satisfactorily completing the Professional Experience folder; and (iii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   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:
   In a Closed Examination, candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the examination.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
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 will require access to e-mail and Internet access to USQConnect for this course.
2. Students are to use a recognised referencing system as specified by the examiner.
3. IMPORTANT NOTE: Working with Children: State law in Queensland requires that all adults (including university students, pre-service educators, trainers, vocational teachers, industry educators) working with children under the age of 18, in the State of Queensland*, obtain approval before commencing such work. Many education courses include a practical component (professional experience, project work, research, assessment etc.) that may require engagement with children under the age of 18. It is your responsibility to ensure that you possess a current suitability card (Blue Card) before commencing any practical components of this course. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18 UNLESS YOU POSSESS A CURRENT 'BLUE CARD'. For further information: http://www.childcomm.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard/informationSheets.html *If you are undertaking practical experience outside the State of Queensland, Australia you should check local requirements.