Developing algebraic thinking
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This course is for you if you are interested in developing your knowledge and understanding of the learning of algebra 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 three tutor-marked assignments and an end-of-module assessment. In order to complete the course assessments, you will need access to learners of algebra at Key Stages 2–4. This course can count as part of the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Education and Mathematics and Statistics.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | ME625 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees and financial support may vary by country.
What you will study
The course 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 KS2–4.
The course 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 course 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.
You will learn
Successful study of this course should enhance your skills in:
- communicating mathematical ideas clearly and succinctly
- explaining mathematical ideas to others.
Entry
The course is open to everyone, though it is intended particularly for teachers, teaching assistants, home-school parents and special educational needs coordinators.
Your own knowledge of algebra should be at, or above, the level of a B on GCSE maths, or you could have studied Mathematical thinking in schools (ME620) or the discontinued courses ME624 or MEXR624.
If your future study plans include taking more than one course from the Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education, it is recommended that you take ME620 first as it provides a useful background for ME625, ME626 and ME627.
If you are considering taking ME625 alongside another OU course, please bear in mind that the workload for ME625 alone is around 12 hours a week.
In order to complete the course assessments, you will need regular access to at least one other learner of algebra, with whom to work on approximately two tasks a week. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
The study materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and mathematical, scientific, and foreign language materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
There are many diagrams in the course book and printed material, and associated computer work, which may present a challenge to visually-impaired students. If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our publication Meeting Your Needs.
You can also find information about accessible study materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Study materials
What's included
Course text and course 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.
You require access to the internet at least once a week during the course to download course resources and to keep up to date with course news.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new computer since 2005 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. There will be individual telephone tutorials rather than face-to-face group tutorials.
Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
Please note that TMAs for all undergraduate mathematics and statistics courses must be submitted on paper as – due to technical reasons – we are unable to accept TMAs via our eTMA system.
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 course.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in April 2012 and April 2013. We expect it to be available once a year.
Fees 2012
See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.
Course facts
An undergraduate course in Education and Mathematics and Statistics.
| About this course: | |
|---|---|
| Course code | ME625 |
| Credits | 30 |
| OU Level | 3 |
| SCQF level | 10 |
| FHEQ level | 6 |
| Course work includes: |
|---|
| 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) |
| End-of-module assessment |
| No residential school |
Study explained
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about distance learning with the OU.
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Your questions
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Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35
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