ECE 2008 Emerging Numeracy

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 thinking 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. This course emphasises literacy correctness in all its forms. 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. 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 appropriate mathematical language for teaching and learning mathematics
5. describe and plan for a range of learning environments and materials that enhance mathematical learning for young children
6. explain the importance of play in mathematical learning
7. describe mathematical learning opportunities which may be provided through structured and unstructured learning experiences
8. critically evaluate various mathematical materials and resources 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. list ways in which parents may encourage mathematical learning in young children at home
12. use written communication effectively and appropriately
13. write clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.

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:
   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:
   To complete each of the assessment items satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assessment item and must demonstrate their ability to write clearly, grammatically correctly and with accurate spelling and punctuation.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit an assignment after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 10% of the total marks available for the assignment may apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% in each of the summative assessments and at least 50% of the available weighted marks for the 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:
   There is no examination in this course.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   There will be no Deferred or Supplementary examinations 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 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. Students might need to visit centres (or other contact with Early Childhood settings) to complete the assignments.
4. 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.