Assignment - Development of a hypothetical learning trajectory

Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe hypothetical learning trajectories.

2. Use the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics to develop learning activities in primary school mathematics.

Task:

Develop a hypothetical learning trajectory to support the teaching and learning of a key concept in Number in upper primary mathematics. Note that Number is part of the Number and Algebra strand in The Australian Curriculum. You need to choose to focus on one or two Number descriptors. For instance you may choose to focus on a descriptor/s relating to place value, fractions, or number word problems for instance.

Identify informal and pre-formal knowledge that primary students at an appropriate year level are likely to possess and articulate a set of learning goals. Then identify a sequence of developmental objectives through which primary students are likely to progress and describe a potential sequence of learning tasks that develop the required knowledge.

You need to cross-reference the activity to relevant content descriptions in the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics.

You will use this learning trajectory to develop a technology-enhanced resource in Assignment 2. You should start to think about how you will do this and make sure your learning trajectory is one that can be achieved with a technology-enhanced resource, such as a Wiki or Webquest. Because of the technology requirement, early years topics may not be suitable for Assignment 2. Although there is no set length for this assignment, Assignment 2 will cover a sequence of between 3 and 8 lessons.

Assessment criteria:

Capacity to identify informal and pre-formal knowledge likely to be possessed by primary students, including sensitivity to and inclusion of cultural background;

Capacity to clearly articulate learning goals based on the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics;

Capacity to describe a developmental progression; and

Appropriateness of learning tasks in achieving the desired progression.