This module is for you if you are interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of the learning of algebra particularly at Key Stages 2–4. It integrates development of the core ideas of algebra with relevant pedagogical constructs and principles, and will extend your awareness of how people learn and use algebra. There is no formal examination: assessment is based on tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. To complete the module assessment, you'll need to work with a learner or learners who will be pleasantly challenged by secondary school-level mathematics.
What you will study
The module is designed to:
- develop your algebraic thinking
- raise your awareness of the importance of learners expressing generality for themselves
- provide experience of different teaching approaches and the learning opportunities they afford
- develop your awareness of, and facility with, ICT in the learning and teaching of algebra
- develop your knowledge and understanding of the mathematics which underpins Key Stage 2–4.
The module consists of four blocks of work. Each block has four chapters, which have recurring themes:
- expressing generality
- mathematical powers and themes
- symbol use
- use of technology.
Each section starts with a ‘quickie’ task, and then uses tasks for you to work on to introduce the topic. Thus the module is ‘practical’ in that it requires you to practise algebraic thinking. There are more tasks than can be completed in a first pass through the book, because it is intended to serve as a career-long resource.
Mathematical topics include: word-problems; figurate numbers; interplay between graphs, tables and formulae; introducing symbols; and reasoning with algebra.
Read the full content list here.
You will learn
Successful study of this module should enhance your skills in:
- communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly
- explaining mathematical ideas to others.
Vocational relevance
This module has particular vocational relevance for teachers, trainers, teaching assistants or anyone aspiring to teach or communicate mathematics. It provides opportunities to consider how we learn algebra and introduces some potential new approaches to teaching and learning. You’ll learn to communicate about mathematics and identify mathematical learning.
Entry
There is no formal pre-requisite study. However,
- you should be over 18
- your own level of mathematics should be at least GCSE Grade B (or equivalent)
- you do need to have a reasonable standard of spoken and written English
- to complete the assessment, you'll need to work with a learner or learners who will be pleasantly challenged by secondary school-level mathematics. It is possible for friends or family members to act as your learners, but it is preferable if you can work with some secondary age children.
You can find out more about our mathematics education modules here.
Talk to an advisor if you’re not sure if you’re ready.
Study materials
What's included
Module text and module guide, bookmark and website.
You will need
It would be very helpful, but not compulsory, to have access to a graphics calculator – the recommended models are the TI-83 Plus or TI-84 plus.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part. If you want to participate, you’ll likely need a headset with a microphone.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You can choose whether to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) on paper or online through the eTMA system. You may want to use the eTMA system for some of your assignments but submit on paper for others. This is entirely your choice.
The end-of-module assessment takes the form of a 3000-word tutor-marked assignment. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the module.
The end-of-module assessment (EMA) must be submitted online.
Future availability
Developing algebraic thinking (ME625) starts once a year – in April.
This page describes the module that will start in April 2021.
It will start for the last time in April 2021. We plan to replace it with a new module – Approaches to algebra (ME322) – that will start for the first time in October 2022.