Introductory description

This module takes place in term 2 and is specially designed to introduce you to Mathematics curriculum and pedagogy in the Secondary school age range. You will explore your subject from a new perspective through engaging sessions at university led by teaching fellows and visiting teachers and have opportunity to support teaching and learning in practice through activities in a school or online learning setting with secondary age pupils. Through engagement in mathematics education you will have the opportunity to raise awareness of and encourage engagement with mathematics education within the local community.

The module is hosted by the Centre for Teacher Education (currently rated 'Outstanding' by OFSTED). Anyone who completes the module is automatically eligible for an interview for the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) initial teacher training course (providing all entry requirements for Initial Teacher Training are met).

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The theory which underpins the practice of mathematics teaching is explored through seminars led by CTE Teaching Fellows. The seminars begin by discussing the current context of the UK education system and national curriculum before exploring a range of key themes in education such as how students learn, how ideas develop in the school curriculum and using assessment for learning and specific aspects of pedagogy relating to the teaching of mathematics.

As part of the module you engage in mathematics education through contributing to support for secondary age mathematics students, either through online learning support or a short placement in a school. Whilst engaged in supporting mathematics learning you will develop your practical understanding of the teaching of mathematics. Indicative activities might include: developing learning resources, observing experienced teacher, supporting lessons, 1 to 1 or small group teaching, supporting school students in preparation for Higher Education.
To prepare for and support you for this you will participate a series of workshops at the university. These are highly interactive, practice based sessions, delivered by visiting teachers from local secondary schools. Sessions cover topics such as effective management of learning environments, developing resources to support learning and effective questioning

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• LO1 Critically analyse and reflect on key issues in mathematics education in school.
• LO2 Critically reflect on practice in teaching mathematics in school.
• LO3 Apply learning theory to school mathematics teaching practices
• LO4 Demonstrate engagement with supporting the teaching and learning of mathematics.
• LO5 Demonstrate professional skills in collaboration and effective communication with young people.
• LO6 Demonstrate engagement with raising the aspirations of school students towards study in Higher Education

Indicative reading list

The key readings found through above Talis Aspire link are advised. Key readings for University sessions will also be detailed on the session plan and will be available prior to the session. You should also ensure that you regularly read other relevant educational literature such as the Times Education and the Guardian Education supplements along with any other subject specific reading lists which have been provided.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Interdisciplinary

Through exploring the teaching and pedagogy of your subject you will consider and build connections between your subject, educational theory, the psychology of learning and cognition and also consider elements of policy, society and sociology. You will develop your written communication skills in producing both academic and professional evidence-informed rationales for practice.

Subject specific skills

You will develop skills relevant for teaching and the development of practice such as communication, collaboration and reflection. You will also develop skills relevant to the academic study of education such as analysis and critique. The module will also develop your skills in the pedagogy of your subject.

Transferable skills

Critical Thinking
Reasoning and Problem Solving
Active Lifelong Learning
Communication (verbal and written)
Teamwork and working effectively with others
Information literacy (research skills)
ICT Literacy
Citizenship (local and global)
Ethical Values
Inter-cultural learning and diversity awareness
Professionalism
Organisational awareness