Module Code - Title:
EN4063
-
SUBJECT PEDAGOGICS 1 (MATHEMATICS)
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This is the first of two subject pedagogy modules in mathematics and is devoted to fostering students' agency to enable them to apply their creativity, knowledge and skills to enhance their ability as future mathematics teachers. It draws on relevant university-based, national and international research in the area of mathematics education. The module attempts to integrate (a) subject knowledge in mathematics, and (b) subject pedagogical knowledge in mathematics in order to prepare the students for their first school-based teaching experience. Additionally, it aims to develop in the students the classroom skills required in the practice of mathematics teaching and to develop competence in effective planning for mathematics instruction.
Syllabus:
[Mathematics Curriculum]: historical development, current trends, theories and practice of mathematics curricula and assessment, analysis of the Junior Cycle curriculum, [Theoretical Issues]: key learning theories, implications for mathematics teaching, [Social Issues in Mathematics]: cultural identity, social and language issues, disciplinary literacy and numeracy, differentiation and inclusion in a mixed ability classroom, [Assessment]: Models of assessment, Evaluating student learning, Evaluating professional practice, CBAs and SLARs, [Pedagogy]: Teaching for Understanding, Questioning, Planning, Task Design, Classroom practices, Resources, Digital skills.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Examine and familiarise themselves with the current national mathematics curricula/specifications and develop an awareness of curriculum requirements in preceding and subsequent stages of learning.
Investigate selected models for effective second level mathematics teaching and construct an explicit model to guide their preparation and practice during their first extended school-based teaching experience
Develop the skills necessary to establish classroom management strategies that support suitable and effective learning for all pupils.
Develop competency in planning for the successful integration of ICT into the mathematics classroom.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate a positive attitude to the teaching and learning of mathematics.
Reflect on their attitudes, and beliefs about the teaching and learning of mathematics, which inform and guide their professional practice.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Students will be involved in three one-hour classes per week (1 lecture and 2 tutorial/labs). These hours combine relevant theories and practices in mathematics education/curriculum studies. Students will experience the opportunity to engage in acquiring new knowledge and skills through various learning approaches such as active learning, autonomous and cooperative learning and linking theory to practice. The student experience in this module aims to help them value and develop competencies in pedagogical content knowledge and critical reflection. Students will read, analyse, debate, and apply relevant research in meeting the learning outcomes of the module and will understand the importance and practice of research in the profession of teaching.
Prime Texts:
Southall, E. (2021)
Southall, E. (2021) Yes, but why? Teaching for understanding in mathematics
, London: SAGE
Lyons, M. et al. (2003)
Inside classrooms: the teaching and learning of mathematics in social context
, Dublin: Institute of Public Administration
English, L. et al. (2008)
Handbook of International Research in Mathematics Education
, London: Routledge
Mason, J., Burton, L. and Stacey, K. (2010)
Thinking Mathematically, 2nd ed.
, London: Pearson
Other Relevant Texts:
Oldknow, A., Taylor, R. and Tetlow, L. (2010)
Teaching Mathematics using ICT, 3rd ed.
, London: Bloomsbury Publishing
Dean, P. (1982)
Teaching and learning mathematics
, London: Woburn Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (EDUCATION) IN MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
patrick.johnson@ul.ie