The course is connected to the following study programs

  • Master's 5-Year Programme in Teacher Education, level 1-7

Teaching language

Norwegian

Prerequisites

Completed 60 ECTS credits in mathematics

Course contents

The course deals with mathematics education in the early years related to the current curriculum, especially 1st and 2nd grade, with emphasis on students' opportunities for mathematical concept learning, students' developmental features and learning processes in mathematics. In the course, the students are introduced to and will familiarize themselves with, evaluate and master the subject content, relevant academic tools, techniques and forms of expression in mathematics that promote good learning processes and progression among the pupils. Great attention is paid to play, problem solving and inquiry as an approach to learning mathematics. Reasoning, argumentation and communication in mathematics are key concepts in the course. The student will immerse themselves in a topic related to mathematics education in the early years in a multidisciplinary teaching arrangement.

The subject in practice
The course prepares the student for advanced subject didactic reflection related to work in the classroom. Through the work with the course, the students will further develop the academic prerequisites for planning, implementing and evaluating work with the mathematical courses that are relevant for mathematics education in the early years. In practice, the student will gain experience with the use of various relevant teaching resources and working methods. Experiences the student has gained with the subject in practice will be important for the further work with the master's in mathematics education in the early years.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student will

  • have in-depth knowledge of the mathematics subject's content in kindergarten, and children's development of basic concepts in the areas of numbers, geometry and measurement

  • have in-depth research-based knowledge of a topic that is central to mathematics education in the early years

  • have in-depth knowledge of appropriate tools for mathematics education in the early years

  • have in-depth knowledge of play-based learning, problem solving and inquiry as an approach to stimulate pupils' urge to explore and wonder in mathematics education in the early years

Skills

After completing the course, the student will

  • be able to plan, implement and analyze multidisciplinary teaching arrangement in work with mathematics education in the early years

  • be able to analyze, use and reflect on various tools in mathematics education in the early years

  • be able to plan, lead and analyze learning processes in mathematics education in the early years that stimulate pupils' inquiry and play through curiosity, wonder and exploration

  • be able to disseminate research and development work to various target groups, seek new knowledge from national and international research and assess the validity and relevance of this

General competence

After completing the course, the student will

  • have insight into relevant research within the topics covered by the course

  • have insight into problem solving and inquiry as an approach to teaching and learning in mathematics in mathematics education in the early years

  • be able to analyze and assess relevant issues in a diverse group of pupils in mathematics education in the early years

  • be able to apply and contribute to innovation in mathematics education in the early years that promotes the pupils' own activity, creativity and desire to learn

Examination requirements

approved attendance in the course

approved required assignments. (see Canvas for more information)

approved practice a

Teaching methods

The teaching will be given in the form of joint teaching, seminars, practical exercises, problem solving in groups, oral presentations and guidance. It includes a multidisciplinary teaching arrangements. Digital software is used where appropriate.

Requirements for minimum 70% compulsory participation.

In addition to teaching, students are expected to work on assignments, mathematics issues and literature studies, both individually and in groups.The course has an expected scope of work of 400 hours.

It is included 5 days practice for the teacher education students. This is a preparation for the teaching practice in the 8th semester.

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.

Assessment methods and criteria

 A subject text from the multidisciplinary teaching arrangements, counts for 1/3. Graded assessment.

Oral individual examination, counts for 2/3. Graded assessment.

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-439 – Mathematics Education in Early School Years 10
Last updated from FS (Common Student System) June 30, 2024 11:37:48 PM