Strengthening Children's Mathematical Understanding (X6605)

15 credits, Level 5

Autumn teaching

This module will explore theories and approaches to the teaching and learning of mathematics in Primary and Early years settings seeking to answer key questions such as:

  • What are the underlying structures which children need to be able to grasp to build their mathematical understanding?
  • How can the use of manipulative models and visual representations be used to support and link children’s conceptual and procedural understanding of mathematics?
  • How can learning through play, the use of rich texts and purposeful activities based on ‘real life’ aid the children’s reasoning and problem solving?
  • How is the teaching of mathematics in the East influencing current policy and practice?

The module will also reflect upon children’s attitudes towards mathematics in comparison with those to other subjects and question where and how these are formed and how they can be changed, focusing on educational policy and influences from outside of education such as the family and the media.

Teaching

33%: Lecture
67%: Seminar

Assessment

100%: Practical (Portfolio)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 24 hours of contact time and about 126 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: