Students

EDST8765 – Mathematics for Primary Teachers

2025 – Session 3, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Susan Busatto
susan.busatto@mq.edu.au
tutor
Garry Jones
garry.jones@mq.edu.au
Tutor
Melissa Vlakic
melissa.vlakic@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Permission by special approval
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
EDST1234
Unit description Unit description

This unit is designed for students admitted to a Postgraduate Teaching course and intending to teach in primary schools but who did not achieve a minimum of Band 4 in HSC mathematics or successfully attain at least 0.125 EFTSL (1 unit) of mathematics/numeracy in a prior bachelor degree or equivalent qualification. The unit focuses on fundamental mathematical techniques and their application to problem solving. The unit adopts a practical, hands-on approach to help students understand and apply their mathematical knowledge and skills in number and algebra, measurement and geometry, statistics and probability.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in number, measurement and data  
  • ULO2: Use mathematical concepts, skills and techniques in a variety of contexts
  • ULO3: Select and use problem-solving strategies to solve mathematical problems 
  • ULO4: Use mathematical reasoning to justify solution strategies in solving mathematical problems
  • ULO5: Communicate using mathematical notation, diagrams and graphs
  • ULO6: Meet the equivalent of HSC Band 4 result in mathematics or 0.125 EFTSL of mathematics/numeracy

General Assessment Information

Special Consideration / Late Penalties

Applications for extensions must be made via Service Connect. 

 

Late submission penalty

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day to late submissions, up until the 7th calendar day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. 

Important to note:

  • Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs) will be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special consideration application.
  • Students should not request an informal arrangement from their tutor, lecturer or Unit Convenor (or equivalent).
  • Where an application for Special Consideration is approved and the outcome is an extension to the due date of a task, submissions that are received after the new due date will be subject to late penalties that are calculated from the new due date. This only applies where the outcome is an extension to the due date – see the Special Consideration Policy for a schedule of all possible outcomes.

 

Marking

All assessments are marked using a rubric.

Marking of all assessments is moderated by the Unit Convenor.

 

QUIZZES IN EDST1234

  • Quizzes are an individual assessment task and MUST BE COMPLETED by each student individually. Similarities in responses between students will be checked and investigated for possible collusion. 
  • Quizzes are NOT available for completion online.
  • The four quizzes will address the content covered in their respective modules. Module 1 content will be assessed in the first quiz.  Module 2 material will be assessed in the second quiz. Module 3 content will be assessed in the 3rd quiz, and content from Module 4 will be assessed in the fourth and final quiz. 
  • Quizzes 1, 2, 3 will be conducted the week after the module has been completed. This will allow you a week to consolidate your understanding of the module. Quiz 4 will be held during the last week of Module 4.
  • Each quiz is a hurdle assessment. You must pass each quiz to pass the unit.

WRITTEN REFLECTIONS

  • At the end of each quiz you will be required to write a reflection on an aspect of mathematics that has been addressed in the module.  Any non-serious attempts will receive a zero.

University Policy on Grading

Assignments will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the University's Grading System and University Assessment Policy. 

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed because they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit Service Connect.

 

Withdrawing from this unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via Service Connect before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact your course progression.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Mathematics Problem Sets 1, 2, 3, 4 60% Yes January 6 (Quiz 1), January 13 (Quiz 2), January 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)
Reflection on Understanding of Mathematics 40% No January 6 (Quiz 1), January 13 (Quiz 2), January 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)

Mathematics Problem Sets 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment Type 1: Problem set Indicative Time on Task 2: 50 hours Due: January 6 (Quiz 1), January 13 (Quiz 2), January 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4) Weighting: 60%  This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Problem sets covering the content for the unit. Students will be given up to three attempts for each problem set. Students need to pass all problem sets to pass the unit.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in key mathematics concepts.   
  • Use mathematical concepts, skills and techniques in a variety of mathematical contexts.   
  • Use mathematical reasoning to select and justify the use of appropriate mathematical problem-solving strategies.   
  • Communicate mathematical ideas using technologies, notation, diagrams and graphs.
  • Engage in independent and collaborative learning while engaging with big ideas of mathematics.

Reflection on Understanding of Mathematics

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours Due: January 6 (Quiz 1), January 13 (Quiz 2), January 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)Weighting: 40%

Students will write a 500 word refection on their understandings of mathematics, including a reflection on their personal skill set and achievements in the unit against the unit learning outcomes.

On successful completion you will be able to:

  • Engage in independent and collaborative learning while engaging with big ideas of mathematics.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Critical Reflection on Understanding of Mathematics 40% No Jan 6 (Quiz 1), Jan 13 (Quiz 2), Jan 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)
Mathematics Problem Sets 1, 2, 3, 4 60% Yes Jan 6 (Quiz 1), Jan 13 (Quiz 2), Jan 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)

Critical Reflection on Understanding of Mathematics

Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 40 hours
Due: Jan 6 (Quiz 1), Jan 13 (Quiz 2), Jan 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)
Weighting: 40%

 

Students will write a 500 word critical refection on their understandings of mathematics, including a reflection on their personal skill set and achievements in the unit against the unit learning outcomes using literature to justify their claims.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Communicate using mathematical notation, diagrams and graphs

Mathematics Problem Sets 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 60 hours
Due: Jan 6 (Quiz 1), Jan 13 (Quiz 2), Jan 20 (Quizzes 3 and 4)
Weighting: 60%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

 

Problem sets covering the content for the unit. Students will be given up to three attempts for each problem set. Students need to pass all problem sets to pass the unit.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate sound knowledge and skills in number, measurement and data  
  • Use mathematical concepts, skills and techniques in a variety of contexts
  • Select and use problem-solving strategies to solve mathematical problems 
  • Use mathematical reasoning to justify solution strategies in solving mathematical problems
  • Communicate using mathematical notation, diagrams and graphs
  • Meet the equivalent of HSC Band 4 result in mathematics or 0.125 EFTSL of mathematics/numeracy

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • the Writing Centre for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation

Delivery and Resources

Information about the unit iLearn site  

This unit has a full web presence through iLearn. Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. You will need to enter your student username and password. 

 

Students will need regular access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit. 

Weekly access to iLearn is compulsory for all students. Important assessment information will be posted here, as will other relevant unit notices and materials.

Various activities and materials for discussion and critical reflection are included. Electronic links and suggested references will be included in the Resources section. Please check the iLearn unit regularly.  

PowerPoint slides are available in iLearn after each tutorial. 

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help. Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk: via email onehelp@mq.edu.au or Ph: 9850 4357 or 1800 67 4357. On Campus: Ground floor at 18 Wally’s Walk.

Unit Schedule

The weekly program for the course with the accompanying readings/ preparation is available on the unit iLearn site.

Unit Schedule

Workshops will be held on Tuesdays in a face to face mode, on campus, at MQ University.  

Workshops 1, 2, and 3 in Session 3 will be 8 hours long (which includes a 1 hour break) while the fourth workshop will run from 8.30 - 2.30 pm. You may swap your class on e-student ONLY if there is a space available in another class. Please do not drop in to different tutorials other than the one for which you have registered. There are limits on class sizes.  If there is a reason you cannot attend on your scheduled date, contact the convenor beforehand at garry.jones@mq.edu.au 

Classes will be held on: 

December 16 (8.30 - 4.30pm) ; January 6 (8.30 - 4.30pm) ; January 13 (8.30 - 4.30pm), January 20 (8.30 - 2.30pm).

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

School of Education Procedures

In addition, the following policies and procedures for the Macquarie School of Education apply to this unit.

 

Academic Progression Policy 

This unit is a part of a professional course listed on Schedules 2 and 3 of the Academic Progression Policy. This course has additional requirements that are applicable for the full duration of the course, including course-specific Inherent Requirements, Fitness to Practice requirements and other compulsory course requirements. It also has rigorous academic progression standards. Inability to meet these requirements may result in a withdrawal of offer of admission and/or permanent exclusion from the course in accordance with the General Coursework Rules.

Communication

It is the student’s responsibility to check all electronic communication on a weekly basis.  Communication may occur via:

  • Official MQ Student Email Address
  • The Dialogue function on iLearn
  • Other iLearn communication functions

Attendance and Participation 

See the University timetable for information about when classes begin in this unit. Creating your timetable - Enrolling | Macquarie University, Sydney (mq.edu.au)

Attendance at all synchronous activities, completion of non-synchronous formative/diagnostic class tasks and involvement in professional forums is  expected as your degree is a professional qualification. Activities completed during weekly tutorials are essential for building the core knowledge and/or skills required to demonstrate the learning outcomes of this unit and to meet the AITSL Graduate Teacher Standards and/or ACECQA requirements. Attendance at all tutorials is expected and will be recorded. Make up tasks may be given if attendance is missed to ensure all content is covered to meet accreditation requirements. 

Students are required to attend the tutorial in which they are enrolled. Any changes to tutorial enrolments must be completed officially through e-Student. Please do not contact the unit convenor to request a change.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Changes from Previous Offering

In Session 3, 2025, the unit will run over 4 weeks instead of 5. Consequently, each of the four workshops will be an hour longer.

Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook