Course content

This course provides a deeper understanding of theories of learning in mathematics, and discusses the implication of such understanding for the teaching of mathematics. In particular, the course includes sociocultural theories and they provide insight into the learning of mathematics. Emphasis is placed on the candidates’ ability to analyse learning episodes from practice. From this, the candidates will make justified choices for facilitating pupils’ learning opportunities in mathematics. Central aspect of the course is reading research literature in mathematics education and writing academic texts. The mathematical topics in the course are mainly taken from algebra. The candidates will, among other things, work with two different approaches to algebra in school mathematics: algebra as generalised arithmetic, and algebra as generalisation of patterns. In addition to working on generalization, the course will contain abstract algebra (group theory) to illuminate the structural aspects of algebra.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has advanced knowledge of theories for learning in mathematics, both from an acquisition perspective and a participation perspective. Key concepts are representations in mathematics and semiotics.
• has knowledge of the various elements that comprise algebra, and how these elements are related to other topics in school mathematics
• has thorough knowledge of key aspects of the learning and teaching of algebra
• has thorough knowledge of algebra as an example of an axiomatic structure

Skills

The student

• can read and familiarise him/herself with the research in relevant areas of mathematics education
• can analyse pupils' algebraic thinking, informed by results published in the research literature
• can analyse a teaching session in grades 1 through 7 within a mathematical topic that is central in the course, based on relevant literature
• can present as an academic text his or her own empirical studies related to key topics in the course
• can explain how a group, being an algebraic structure, is relevant to topics in school mathematics

General competence

The student

• can make theoretically anchored choices in order to facilitate pupils' opportunities for learning the mathematical topics that are central to the course
• has knowledge of relevant and recent research in mathematics education on the topics covered by the course
• can present the results of theoretically anchored and empirically based investigations within the grades 1 to 7

Learning methods and activities

The teaching and learning methods will alternate between lectures, literature studies, work on assignments (individually and in groups), discussions, as well as oral and written student presentations. Academic discussions and interactions are important ways of working and learning, and it is expected that the candidates actively contribute to such activities.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory assignments according to course description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Passed Mathematics 2 (30 ECTS credits) or similar

Required previous knowledge

Candidate must have successfully passed Mathematics 1 and completed Mathematics 2 to begin Cycle 2 courses. Passing is understood as the student completing the course and passing the examination. Completed is understood as having all obligatory coursework approved and qualifying the student for the course examination.

Course materials

Final curriculum will be published on Blackboard in the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions