Bridging the Gaps: primary to secondary, and beyond
Supervisor: Patricia Cretchley
Description: Increased emphasis on problem-solving skills and constructivist approaches in the teaching and learning of mathematics, rather than routine practice of the traditionally expected range of techniques and processes, and broadening access to tertiary education, have resulted in the need for teachers at many levels to manage groups of students with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of mathematical skills and experiences. This course looks at possible mismatch of curriculum and pedagogy at different levels, the tension this may build in both teacher and learner, especially in transition from primary to secondary levels, and secondary to tertiary. It considers ways to identify and address difficulties of transfer of mathematical skills, that students and teachers report at different levels, and appropriate management of misconceptions and under preparedness. Through these issues, the course aims to stimulate debate on current trends in curriculum and pedagogy, and on skillful teacher-guidance of both individual learners and classroom groups. Current curricula and reports in the literature form a basis for the study and discussion.
Prerequisites: TBA
Main text: TBA
Some potential study topics
| What is Maths? Ron Addie | Attitude and belief Patricia Cretchley | Computer Algebra Ed Patricia Cretchley | Assessment issues Patricia Cretchley |
| Education research? Patricia Cretchley | Bridge gaps Patricia Cretchley | Gender equity Patricia Cretchley | Teaching geometry Patricia Cretchley |
| Math history Patricia Cretchley | Gen Lin Models Peter Dunn | Bayesian stats Paul Fahey | Survey sampling Ashley Plank |
| Maths Methods Tony Roberts | Quantum Computing Tony Roberts | Water waves Tony Roberts | Games theory Tony Roberts |
| Parallel numerics Tony Roberts | Hydro stability Sergey Suslov | Math Biology Sergey Suslov | Banach spaces Oleksiy Yevdokimov |
| Fundamental Maths Education Oleksiy Yevdokimov | Number history Oleksiy Yevdokimov |