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Personal and Professional Numeracy unit (EDU120)

Introduction

This unit is the foundation mathematics and numeracy unit for the Bachelor of Education. It provides an opportunity to reflect upon and to develop understanding of concepts that are central to mathematics curricula and to develop quantitative literacy understandings that are essential for all teachers. Foci of the unit include the development of a critical orientation to presentation of numeracy concepts in the media, the identification and critique of misconceptions such as neuromyths in education, and an appreciation of the numeracy as a fundamental component across all curriculum areas  and in the personal and professional lives of all teachers.

Summary

Unit name Personal and Professional Numeracy
Unit code EDU120
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Faculty of Education
Discipline Education
Coordinator Doctor Osman Kasimu
Available as an elective? Yes
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Introductory

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply knowledge and understanding of mathematical topics relevant to Foundation Year to Year 6 of the Australian Curriculum, Mathematics (v.9) recognising numeracy as a fundamental component across all curriculum areas.
  • Identify and evaluate critical numeracy in media reports and other contexts and critique common misconceptions in mathematics education, including neuromyths, and their impact on teaching and learning.
  • Use literacy skills to present evidence, including relevant literature, to support arguments about issues related to personal and professional numeracy.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Teaching

AssessmentBeliefs about Mathematics (10%)|Numeracy in the Media (40%)|Knowledge of Mathematics (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Blastland, M., & Dilnot, A. (2008). The tiger that isn’t: Seeing through a world of numbers. Profile Books.

There are e-versions (including Kindle) available.

Nielsen, J. A., Zielinski, B. A., Ferguson, M. A., Lainhart, J. E., & Anderson, J. S. (2013). An evaluation of the left-brain vs. right-brain hypothesis with resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e71275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0071275

Torrijos-Muelas, M., González-Víl­lora, S., & Bodoque-Osma, A. R. (2021). The persistence of neuromyths in the educational settings: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 591923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.591923

Recommended

If you are not confident in your mathematical competency, one of these options may be useful to you: 

Hilton, A., & Hilton, G. (2021). Making sense of number: Improving personal numeracy. Cambridge University Press. 

You may also choose to enrol in an online preparation for LANTITE course. For example: Cambridge Lantite Edge https://lantite.edjin.com/   

Assistance can also be obtained from the university. Please go to this link: https://www.utas.edu.au/students/learning  

University of Tasmania (2015). APA. In Referencing and assignment writing. Retrieved from APA 7th ed. - Referencing and assignment writing - Subject Guides at University of Tasmania (libguides.com)  

 

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