Mathematics for the Early Years
UndergraduateCUR-EDE2252025
Previously CUR-EDE242
An introduction to social constructivist learning of maths and the social cultural theory of learning. Make connections between what children know and don't know about maths, and the role of the educator in children’s mathematical understanding.
- 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
Mathematics for the Early Years
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- explain the role of the educator in developing children’s mathematical understanding
analyse documents and policies and relate findings to the teaching and learning of mathematical concepts and language
- apply knowledge of mathematics content areas; number and algebra, geometry and measurement, and statistics and probability
- develop and apply diagnostic assessment strategies to assess children’s knowledge of mathematical concepts
- plan a set of mathematical learning sequence plans
- demonstrate increased personal numeracy skills and understanding of the content areas of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics.
- Understanding children's understandings of mathematics & managing the learning environment
- Thinking mathematically & assessments
- Planning, teaching and assessing for mathematics
- Exploring patterns: teaching strategies, including technology, assessments and resources
- Statistics and probability: teaching strategies, including technology, assessments and resources
- Geometry: teaching strategies, including technology, assessments and resources Race, ethnicity and diversity
- Measurement: teaching strategies, including technology, assessments and resources
- Number concepts and place value: teaching strategies including technology, assessments and resources
- Number sense and calculator usage: teaching strategies, including technology, assessments and resources
- Early fraction knowledge: teaching strategies, assessments and resources
- Planning for diverse abilities and needs in mathematics
- Planning an integrated program with mathematics
- Connecting planning, resources, and mathematical understandings
This subject was previously known as EDE242 Mathematics for the Early Years.
The focus of this subject is on making connections between what young children know about mathematics, what children need to know and the role of the educator in developing children’s mathematical understanding. This includes identification of children’s knowledge and developing and using assessment and intervention strategies. The subject is an introduction to social constructivist learning of mathematics and social cultural theory of learning and their application to early childhood learning environments. The subject develops educator knowledge of mathematics content areas; number, algebra, geometry, measurement and statistics and probability. There is a strong emphasis on integrating mathematics into everyday teaching.
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.
- Report on Mathematical Content Knowledge (50%)
- Case Study on Assessment and Planning (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-ECE-DEG-2025 - Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood 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).
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-EDE242 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Additional materials
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.
Related degrees
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
UndergraduateCUR-ECE-DEG
Fast track your Curtin on campus study
UndergraduateCUR-FAST-DEG