Course Details

1. Describe and explain the basic units for the teaching of mathematics at primary education.
2. Present the different of mathematical investigation and mathematical exploration.
3. Explain the stages for the cognitive development of the mathematical thinking and describe the consequences of the different thinking and learning styles in the teaching and learning process.
4. Present and analyze the stages of the problem solving procedure.
5. Analyze the two dimensions of the mathematical concepts (procedural and conceptual) and present the stages for the development of the geometrical thinking.
6. Propose ways for the evaluation of student’s mathematical thinking.
7. Construct and design teaching plans for every mathematical concept

Description and explanation of the 5 basic units for the teaching of mathematics at primary education (numbers and operations, geometry, measurement, patterns, probabilities and statistics). Study of the national curriculum. The concept of investigation and exploration. The use of enrichment activities.

Understanding of the basic theories for learning (constructivism and cognitive psychology). Applications for the teaching of mathematics at primary education. Piagetian and neo- piagetian theories. Problem solving. Polya’s stages. Problem posing.

The procedural and the conceptual dimensions of mathematical thinking. The role of intuition and the intuitive rules.

The teaching of each mathematical concept in regard to children’s cognitive development.

The development of creative thinking in mathematics.

Assessment of students’ mathematical thought and ability. How to encounter mistakes and misunderstandings.

• Φιλίππου, Γ. & Χρίστου, Κ. (2005). Διδακτική των Μαθηματικών. Αθήνα: Δαρδάνος.

• Καλαβάση, Φ. & Μεϊμάρη, Μ. (2000). Θέματα Διδακτικής των Μαθηματικών ΙΙΙ. Αθήνα: Gutenberg.
• Geary, D.C. (1994). Children’s mathematical development: research and practical applications. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

The taught part of course is delivered to the students by means of lectures, conducted with the help of computer presentations. Lecture notes and presentations are available through the web for students to use in combination with the textbooks.