Creative Mathematics for teaching in pre-school and grades 1-3

The mathematics content of the course focusses on problem solving, number sense, arithmetic, geometry, algebra, probability and statistics on the basis of school curricula and mathematics education research. Problem solving and different strategies in problem solving are studied. Experimental and exploratory activities are tried out and evaluated. Relevant research results in mathematics education are studied and discussed. The focus is on number sense, basic arithmetic operations and the use of natural numbers. Children's perception of the positional system is studied and linked to the historical development of number systems. Algebra is approached as a development of number sense and the use of numbers. Unknown numbers and equations are demonstrated as powerful tools for generalising and solving problems. Probability and statistics are treated in relation to everyday situations and linked to the goals of primary education. Central areas of primary school mathematics are studied in terms of both mathematical subject knowledge and mathematical knowledge for teaching in relation to curricular documents and mathematics education research. Experimental and exploratory activities and different teaching materials are tried out and analysed. Aesthetic presentation and diversity aspects of learning and teaching mathematics are evaluated. The role of mathematics is treated from different perspectives, such as cultural, social and historical. Students are made aware of their attitudes to mathematics and how they affect children's learning. Assessing children's knowledge is included as well as current education literature and relevant research. The course includes a study use children's mathematical preconceptions and experiences. Furthermore, identification of obstacles and opportunities for all children's learning of mathematics, for instance from a diversity perspective. Further, the role of language and communication i mathematics education is dealt with. Teaching materials, pedagogical aids and digital tools are analysed and discussed on the basis of national curricular documents and current mathematics education research. Different digital learning resources and basic programming are introduced and discussed.