MA-422 Research on Learning and Teaching of Mathematics
- ECTS Credits:
- 15
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Engineering and Science
- Course Leaders:
-
- Pauline Vos
- Lars Niclas Larson
- Lecture Semester:
- Spring
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme
- Mathematics, Master's Programme
Teaching language
English.Course contents
The course provides an introduction to research in mathematics education. The course consists of two main parts:
Part 1 includes practical and ethical aspects of research, methods, justification for the selection of methods and their underlying assumptions. In particular, qualitative research methods and their systematic use in research on the learning of mathematics will be discussed. An introduction to research paradigms is included in the course.
Part 2 focuses on pupils’ learning, on task design, and on social interaction and communication in mathematics education. In the course, we will discuss pupils' development in solving mathematical tasks and different qualitative aspects of mathematical proficiency such as conceptual understanding and different approaches to mathematics education. Social and cultural values are also included. We will discuss various characteristics of tasks, their design, and their use in research. Ability to search relevant research literature from databases and the internet is emphasized. The course emphasizes discussion and especially analysis of literature and empirical data. The literature addresses theoretical and methodological approaches, findings, conclusions and educational implications relevant to mathematics education at school. The course is itself research-based and includes the development of a project on mathematics education in connection with work life and school.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student should
-
be introduced to mathematics education as a research field
-
have appropriated a research attitude to perceive changes and solve challenges that arise in the classroom
-
understand the connections between practices, research, theories and methods in the context of the classroom, in particular how tasks frame pupils’ activities
-
have gained critical awareness of practical and ethical aspects of research work and methods
-
have insight into and be able to apply different research methods relevant to classroom research in mathematics, with special emphasis on qualitative methods
-
be able to use different research databases and electronic search tools in order to find relevant research literature.
Examination requirements
The students must have approved compulsory attendance in the course and approved presentations in order to take the exam. See Canvas for more information.
Teaching methods
Seminars, group work, lectures and compulsory student presentations of (1) a research article and (2) project work. Required attendance for parts of the course (this information is given in Canvas at semester start). Students will be engaged in didactical, research- based work with pupils. The work load of the course is 400 hours.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Offered as Single Standing Module
Yes
Assessment methods and criteria
3- houers digital written exam which count 1/3 and an Individual project work which count 2/3. Graded assessment in both items.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
Course | Reduction of Credits |
---|---|
MA-404 – Learning and Teaching Mathematics | 10 |
MA-442 – Teaching and Learning of Mathematics | 7.5 |
MA-446 – Mathematics teaching and perspectives on learning | 7.5 |
MA-410 – Research Methods in Mathematics Education | 5 |