to strengthen mathematical understanding
“We are becoming number pros” –
Securing foundational mathematical competencies by exploring mathematical patterns and structures
The programme targets children from the 2nd grade onwards who have difficulties in learning mathematics. They are supported for (at least) one semester in regular 45-60-minute support sessions carried out by student teachers in one-on-one situations. Each session is prepared and reflected upon in an accompanying didactics seminar. The course focuses on arithmetic patterns and structures (mainly in the number range up to 20). In particular, it fosters mathematical understanding concerning number concepts and flexible computation. The overarching goal is to enable children to perceive and understand the properties and relationships of numbers and tasks and to use them while computing.
Goals of the programme...
... concerning the participating children:
- Foster mathematical understanding
- Develop and connect mathematical ideas
- Move away from computing by counting
- Promote process-related skills
- (Re)awaken the joy of learning mathematics
- Strengthen personal development (e.g. promoting self-confidence, willingness to make an effort, perseverance, social skills, ...)
... concerning research:
- Analyse student teachers’ training practices
- Analyse children’s mathematical ideas and approaches
- Analyse the learning processes of children and university students
- Develop and evaluate diagnostic and support tasks
- Conceptualise and evaluate support units
... concerning the training of student teachers:
- Acquire content-related and methodological foundations for the diagnosis and individual support of children with particular difficulties in learning mathematics
- Interweave theoretical knowledge and practical experience
- Build skills in the planning, implementation, and reflection of diagnostic and support sessions using digital media
- Promote analytical skills about the theory-based diagnosis of foundational mathematical competencies