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Introduction
Mathematics is a key learning area for all students and essential to an individual's ability to fully participate in society. The teaching of mathematics at all levels is changing in response to research into its teaching and learning and to ongoing changes in society. Research has shown that significant numbers of students become less positive about mathematics and their own ability to do mathematics during the later years of their primary education and in their early secondary education. Teachers of senior primary school mathematics must be able to teach in ways that facilitate students' learning and also be able to extend these students when needed. This unit will enable students to extend their teaching of mathematics with particular relevance to the later primary years and the early secondary years and to recognise the relevance of numeracy across the curriculum.
Summary
| Unit name | Extending Understanding of Primary Mathematics |
| Unit code | EPR321 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | Arts and Society Faculty of Education |
| Discipline | Education |
| Coordinator | Associate Professor Carol Murphy |
| Available as an elective? | No |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Sustainable Development Goals
The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.
Availability
Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/2/2027 | 15/3/2027 | 18/4/2027 | 12/6/2027 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of mathematical topics relevant to Year 5 to Year 8, including real numbers, indices, proportional reasoning, algebraic thinking, geometry, statistics and measurement
- Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of mathematics content and pedagogy to plan and design coherent teaching sequences which reference Year 5 to Year 8 content
- Make informed decisions in selecting examples, resources, and questions when teaching topics in mathematics
- Communicate in written form in a scholarly manner, with correct usage of English and mathematical conventions
Fee Information
2027 fee information will be available in August.
Requisites
Prerequisites
EPR220 or ESH220Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | Off Campus: Weekly Zoom tutorial (2 hours); Weekly content, readings, tasks and discussion boards |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Secret Numbers (15%)|Working with Factors and Prime Numbers (40%)|Cross-curricular numeracy presentation (45%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2022). Mathematics https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/ van de Walle, J. et al. (2024) Primary and middle years mathematics: Teaching developmentally. Pearson (Second Australian Edition)* Or: van de Walle, J. et al. (2019). Primary and middle years mathematics: Teaching developmentally. Pearson (Australian Edition)* *eBook accessible via Library
|
|---|---|
| Recommended | Ball, D. & Bass, H. (2009) With an eye on the mathematical horizon: Knowing mathematics for teaching to learners' mathematical futures. Keynote address at 43rd Jahrestagung für Didaktik der Mathematik held in Oldenburg, Germany, March 1 – 4, 2009. Brown, P., et al. (2011) The Improving Mathematics Education in Schools TIMES Project: Primes and Prime Factorisation, A guide for teachers Years 7-8. Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute. Goos, M. et al. (2018). Numeracy across the curriculum: Research-based strategies for enhancing teaching and learning. Allen & Unwin. Watson, J. & Fitzallen, N. (2025). Using interpolation in Grade 5 to solve a mystery. Teaching Statistics, 47, 155-164 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance https://atsima.com/ |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.