Children as Mathematical Learners
UndergraduateCUR-EDP2432025
Immerse yourself in the number and algebra strand of the Australian mathematics curriculum. Explore how children learn maths through a constructivist teaching approach, and identify knowledge using assessment strategies and diagnostic assessment.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 24 Aug 2025
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 3 Mar 2025,
- 1 Sept 2025
- Price from
- $666
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Children as Mathematical Learners
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- demonstrate a deep understanding of the Number and Algebra strand of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics and appropriate teaching strategies to develop understanding in children
- interpret children’s demonstration of their knowledge of number and algebra
- develop and apply diagnostic mathematics assessment strategies
- appraise social constructivist approaches to planning for mathematical learning and the development of numeracy
- demonstrate increased personal numeracy skills in mathematical relationships, expressions, and applications, with a higher focus on number and algebra
integrate effective, research based, teaching and assessment strategies and methods appropriate for learners from diverse cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
- Understanding and diagnosing children’s learning
- Pre-number and early number experiences
- Place Value
- Understanding the Base Ten Numeration System
- Multiplicative thinking
- Understanding fraction concepts
- Understanding decimals and linking to fractions
- Percentages, ratio and proportional reasoning
- Algebraic thinking
This subject explores the Australian Mathematics Curriculum with particular reference to the proficiency strands. The unit focuses on the development of deep understanding of the Number and Algebra strand and emphasises the identification of children’s knowledge using assessment strategies including diagnostic assessment. Topics covered include place value and numeration, multiplicative thinking, fractions, decimals and percentages, and algebraic thinking, including number patterns and relationships. Particular emphasis is given to teaching for conceptual understanding as opposed to the learning of procedures.
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Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Investigation Report (50%)
- Portfolio and Mathematics Content Knowledge Test (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Part of a degree
To enrol in this subject you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:
Core
- CUR-BED-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
Elective
- CUR-FAST-DEG-2025 - Fast track your Curtin on campus study
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
one of
- CUR-EDC145-The Numerate Educator
CUR-EDC141 (Not currently available)
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
7 student respondents between 26 May - 16 June 2025.
42%of students felt the study load was manageable
57%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
UndergraduateCUR-BED-DEG
Fast track your Curtin on campus study
UndergraduateCUR-FAST-DEG