Children as Mathematical Learners
Undergraduate
CUR-EDP243 2026Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
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
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Price from
- $766
- 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 sound mathematical content knowledge related to the Number and Algebra strands within the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the structure and content of the Number and Algebra strands within the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics (F-6) along with effective teaching strategies to foster children’s understanding
- develop, implement, analyse and moderate diagnostic and formative assessment tasks effectively to elicit children’s mathematical knowledge and understanding in the Number and Algebra strands
- critique and design learning using a range of contemporary pedagogies including constructivism, inquiry, and explicit direct instruction when planning for teaching and learning in mathematics.
- Conceptual and procedural understanding;
- Place value;
- Multiplicative thinking;
- Fractions and decimals;
- Proportional reasoning;
- Number patterns
This is the second in the suite of units on mathematics education. It delves deeper into the Australian Mathematics Curriculum, with a particular emphasis on fostering a deeper understanding of the structure and content within the Number and Algebra strands (F-6). There is a strong emphasis on developing and valuing conceptual understanding. Emphasis is placed on enhancing both mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge (MCK and PCK), enabling pre-service teachers to make informed professional judgments and effectively diagnose and plan for children’s mathematical needs. You will develop, implement, analyse and moderate diagnostic assessment tasks effectively to elicit children’s mathematical knowledge and understanding in the Number and Algebra strands (F-6). Through critiquing a range of contemporary pedagogies, you will design and design learning, planning for teaching and learning in mathematics.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Portfolio of teaching and learning strategies (50%)
- Portfolio of content and pedagogical knowledge (50%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
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-2026 - Bachelor of Education (Primary Education)
Elective
- CUR-FAST-DEG-2026 - 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).
Others
Successful completion of 100 credit points in the degree.
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)
Undergraduate
CUR-BED-DEGFast track your Curtin on campus study
Undergraduate
CUR-FAST-DEG