Mathematics
Course Content
The mathematics team at Coláiste Mhuire prepares students for teaching mathematics in primary school. This is done by offering courses in mathematics methods, mathematics competence, an elective course in assessment in mathematics and optional mathematics classes in which students can develop their fluency in primary school mathematics. In addition, summer courses in mathematics are offered for practising teachers.
Mindful of the trustees’ six guiding principles and the emphasis on children learning mathematics in a disadvantaged setting, all methods classes are activity-based and stress the accurate use of mathematical language. There is a high level of student interaction in all lectures. The methods sessions emphasise differentiation and incorporate supporting strategies into each session. The department offers an elective course on “Testing, testing, one, two, three: Exploring assessment for learning in mathematics” to assist students in dealing with such challenges.
The mathematics department actively encourages the teaching of mathematics through the medium of Irish by providing a folder of resources, a glossary of relevant terms, Irish versions of schemes and lesson plans as well as by introducing relevant vocabulary during lectures. Prior to teaching practice each year, a teacher with long experience of teaching mathematics in an Irish medium school presents a workshop on “Teaching Mathematics through the Medium of Irish - Ag Múineadh Mata trí mheán na Gaeilge".
Team members collaboratively plan optional mathematics classes aimed at developing students’ confidence and competence in relation to their personal mathematical needs. These classes are well attended throughout the year and are arranged to suit the timetables of the various student year groups. This initiative has enabled lecturers to get to know and understand the difficulties some students have from previous experiences of learning mathematics.
A wide range of mathematical materials are used in workshops. Sets of teaching materials are made available to students for teaching practice. Visual aids and concrete materials are displayed in the dedicated mathematics room. In this way lecturers demonstrate to students what a mathematics-rich environment in a school or class should look like.
Staff Profiles/Contact
Sean Delaney (Head of Maths Department)
Phone: 353 1 805 7722
Link to profile
Valerie O'Dowd
Phone: 353 1 853 5144
email: valerie.odowd@mie.ie
Link to profile