Skip to main content
Unit outline_

EDUP3045: Teaching Primary Mathematics 3

Semester 2, 2024 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

In this third unit of study in Mathematics Eduation, students will explore children's development of multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning involving fractions, representations of fractions, and connections with decimals and percentages. Students will develop a diagnostic interview to assess upper-primary children's understandings of fractions, then write a sequence of engaging and challenging learning experiences. Students also explore the development of children's algebraic thinking (beyond Stage 1), probabilistic thinking and statistical reasoning. They integrate statistical learning with other disciplines, using first-hand data obtained in a real-life context.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Education
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
36 credit points of 2000-level EDUP-coded units
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jennifer Way, jennifer.way@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Katherin Cartwright, katherin.cartwright@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 September 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Assessing Fraction Understanding 1A
Design a diagnostic task to include in the Assignment 1- for feedback
0% Week 03 200 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment hurdle task Assessing Fraction Understanding 1B
Report on analysis of results from diagnostic interview with a child.
60% Week 06
Due date: 05 Sep 2024 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5
Assignment group assignment Assessing Fraction Understanding 1C-Teaching Plan
Assessment-informed lesson sequence plan
20% Week 08
Due date: 19 Sep 2024 at 23:59
1000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO4
Assignment group assignment Conducting a statistical investigation
Digital media report/presentation of statistical investigation
20% Week 12
Due date: 23 Oct 2024 at 23:59
1000 words (equivalent)
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO7 LO6
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1 Assessing Fraction Understanding

  • 1A Group (of 4) design of assessment task for feedback
  • 1B Individual report of analysis of diagnostic interview of a child
  • 1C Group (of 4) assessment-informed teaching plan

Assignment 2 Conducting a Statistical Investigation

In pairs, carry out an investigation and prepare digital media report for presentation in-class.

Full details and resources can be found in Canvas.

Assessment criteria

A detailed marking rubric for each assignment will be available on Canvas.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy 2023 reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy 2023. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to unit. Research on issues related to fraction learning Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2
Exploring representations of fractions and their connections Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3 LO7
Week 02 A learning progression for fractions and links to the syllabus. Assessment of fractions learning, focusing on task-based interviews Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Examples of tasks for learning key concepts and skills. Designing diagnostic tasks and interpreting feedback (Assignment 1a) Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 Reasoning about fractions – moving from partitioned fractions to quantity fractions Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Exploring representations to support comparison of fractions, equivalence, fractions as numbers and basic calculations. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 04 Place value – whole numbers and decimal fractions, syllabus and learning progression Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Key concepts for understanding decimal fractions. Teaching strategies for building conceptual understanding of decimals Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 05 Multiplicative thinking and proportional reasoning Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Advancing strategies for multiplication & division. Exploring connections between fractions, percentages, ratios and rates Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 06 Choosing teaching approaches to fit mathematics content and student learning needs. Strategies for differentiation and inclusion of all students Variation theory and its application to the teaching of mathematics Lecture (1 hr) LO4
Designing lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning and content to set goals, and choosing effective teaching practices that support all students. Designing open-ended tasks accessible and challenging for all students (Planning Assignment 1c) Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO4
Week 07 Developing student’s algebraic thinking Helping students develop a growth mindset towards their learning of mathematics Lecture (1 hr) LO4 LO7
Teaching algebra through selecting appropriate mathematical investigations and planning questions and scaffolding to promote mathematical thinking and generalization. Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO7
Week 08 Key concepts and skills in working with data. Syllabus and learning progression for data Introduce Assignment 2 - statistical investigation Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Contexts for data-based inquiry and types of data. Displaying and interpreting data Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 09 The role of mathematics in STEM education, Numeracy, KLA integration and evidence-based reasoning. Lecture (1 hr) LO3 LO6
Contexts for learning and applying mathematics and mathematical thinking Tutorial (2 hr) LO4 LO6
Week 10 Probabilistic thinking and types of probability. ‘Big ideas’ of expectation, variation and randomness. Chance in the syllabus. Lecture (1 hr) LO7
Supporting the development of descriptive interpretation of chance events and the beginning of quantification of probability. Using digital tools to explore probability. Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4
Week 11 Large-scale numeracy assessments and what can and cannot be learnt from them Lecture (1 hr) LO5
Reflecting on major transitions in mathematics learning through examining student work samples. Tutorial (2 hr) LO5 LO7
Week 12 Continuing professional learning. Communicating with parents and care-givers. Lecture (1 hr) LO3
Data investigation examples and application of digital technologies. Assignment 2 presentations Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO6

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Use informal assessment, specifically a diagnostic interview, to assess a child’s understanding of fractions and analyse the results in relation to a research-based developmental learning framework.
  • LO2. Work collaboratively with peers to design a diagnostic assessment, then design a sequence of differentiated learning experiences with a set goal based on knowledge of student learning and effective teaching strategies, and knowledge of content specified in the NSW syllabus and a developmental learning framework
  • LO3. Utilise ICT and critically reflect upon appropriate ICT to further students’ mathematical understanding and fluency and to work effectively with parents/caregivers
  • LO4. Choose and use appropriate mathematical activities that are engaging, provide an achievable challenge, promote mathematical thinking and support the participation of students across the full range of abilities
  • LO5. Apply knowledge of a variety of assessment strategies including clinical interviewing, observation and work sample analysis, to evaluate and report on a child’s mathematical needs
  • LO6. Demonstrate the integration of mathematics with other disciplines through designing an activity using context
  • LO7. Demonstrate increased content knowledge of mathematics, pertaining to multiplicative thinking, rational numbers, statistics and probability and pedagogical content knowledge for teaching these concepts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
LO2
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.2.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
2.2.1. (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1. (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1. (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1. (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
LO3
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.6.1. (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
7.3.1. (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.
LO4
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
1.5.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
3.1.1. (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
4.1.1. (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
LO5
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
5.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.4.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.
LO6
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.5.1. (Graduate) Know and understand literacy and numeracy teaching strategies and their application in teaching areas.
LO7
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) - AITSL
2.1.1. (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Graduate Level – UG and MTeach) -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.2.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research into how students learn and the implications for teaching.
1.5.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of strategies for differentiating teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities.
1.6.1 T (Graduate) Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of legislative requirements and teaching strategies that support participation and learning of students with disability.
2.1.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, substance and structure of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area.
2.2.1 T P (Graduate) Organise content into an effective learning and teaching sequence.
2.3.1 A T P (Graduate) Use curriculum, assessment and reporting knowledge to design learning sequences and lesson plans.
2.6.1 A T P (Graduate) Implement teaching strategies for using ICT to expand curriculum learning opportunities for students.
3.1.1 T P (Graduate) Set learning goals that provide achievable challenges for students of varying abilities and characteristics.
3.2.1 A (Graduate) Plan lesson sequences using knowledge of student learning, content and effective teaching strategies.
3.3.1 A T P (Graduate) Include a range of teaching strategies.
3.4.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate knowledge of a range of resources, including ICT, that engage students in their learning.
4.1.1 A T P (Graduate) Identify strategies to support inclusive student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
5.1.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate understanding of assessment strategies, including informal and formal, diagnostic, formative and summative approaches to assess student learning.
5.4.1 A T P (Graduate) Demonstrate the capacity to interpret student assessment data to evaluate student learning and modify teaching practice.
7.3.1 T (Graduate) Understand strategies for working effectively, sensitively and confidentially with parents/carers.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is a new unit. Student feedback will be used to refine the content and delivery of the unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.