MATHS 702 : Mathematical Processes in the Curriculum

Science

2023 Semester Two (1235) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Historically, mathematics curricula have emphasised the what of mathematics (content), at the expense of considering the how. This course uses hands-on experiences and research literature to explore how to teach, learn and do mathematics through processes such as communication, modelling, problem solving, and proving.

Course Overview

This course will explore questions of what mathematics means not just as a thing but as an activity – mathematics as something that we do. We will have hands-on experiences with mathematical processes, such as visualising, defining, modelling, embodying, and problem solving. Participants will reflect critically on research literature and their own experiences with mathematical processes to explore how such processes can be supported in the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Students may wish to take this course if they are interested in: 

  • Broadening their understanding of current research on how we think mathematically  
  • Reflecting on their own mathematical processes in order to enhance their teaching and/or learning of mathematics 
  • Developing their ability to communicate ideas in writing

This course can be taken as part of an MProfStuds (Mathematics Education), PGDipSci, BSc(Hons), or as preparatory work for doctoral research.

The skills developed in this course are particularly useful for those wishing to pursue or further a career in mathematics teaching or mathematics education research.

Course Requirements

No pre-requisites or restrictions

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities
Graduate Profile: Master of Science

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify, explain and evaluate different concepts and theories about mathematical processes in the context of mathematics education. (Capability 1 and 2)
  2. Construct clear, reasoned, logical arguments based on critical reflection on experience and relevant concepts and theories. (Capability 1, 2 and 4)
  3. Design and communicate novel experiences of mathematical processes for a general audience. (Capability 1, 4 and 6)
  4. Create written essays that demonstrate academic integrity and use appropriate referencing and citation. (Capability 4 and 5)
  5. Work collaboratively and constructively to offer useful, respectful critiques of peers' work. (Capability 5 and 6)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Essay portfolio 40% Individual Coursework
Presentation 20% Individual Coursework
Essay (final) 30% Individual Coursework
Peer critiques 10% Individual Coursework
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5
Essay portfolio
Presentation
Essay (final)
Peer critiques

In order to pass the course, students must achieve at least 50% (15/30) on the Final Essay assignment.

Tuākana

Tuākana Science is a multi-faceted programme for Māori and Pacific students providing topic specific tutorials, one-on-one sessions, test and exam preparation and more. Explore your options at
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/pacific-in-our-faculty.html
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/science/study-with-us/maori-in-our-faculty.html

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15-point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15-point course that they are enrolled in. For this course, you can expect 30 hours of course sessions and 120 hours of independent study.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

  • Attendance is expected at scheduled activities to complete components of the course.
  • Learning activities including seminars will not be available as recordings.
  • The course may include live online events including group discussions.
  • The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

All readings will be made available on Canvas.

Student Feedback

During the course Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the staff responsible for the course and staff-student consultative committees.

At the end of the course students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback.

Your feedback helps to improve the course and its delivery for all students.

N/A

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Copyright

The content and delivery of content in this course are protected by copyright. Material belonging to others may have been used in this course and copied by and solely for the educational purposes of the University under license.

You may copy the course content for the purposes of private study or research, but you may not upload onto any third party site, make a further copy or sell, alter or further reproduce or distribute any part of the course content to another person.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

The delivery mode may change depending on COVID restrictions. Any changes will be communicated through Canvas.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 28/10/2022 11:28 a.m.