Subject: Mathematics

These skills are actively learnt in the mathematics teacher training programme across various subject areas:

In mathematics education, on the one hand, a ‘from the mathematics’ perspective is taken to analyse how the subject matter can be presented in such a way as to facilitate optimal learning. On the other hand, a ‘learner-centred’ approach is adopted to consider what difficulties might be encountered, how these can be identified and how they can be overcome. This is based on empirical findings from research.

When mathematics is taught in an educational setting (school, nursery, etc.), the integration of subject-specific knowledge and subject-specific teaching skills is essential. The focus of training in mathematics education is highly practice-oriented. In addition to teaching placements in the subject, students can work directly with children as part of seminars at the MiniMa centre and the Dyscalculia Counselling Centre. Supervision facilitates a close link between theory and practice during the initial phase of training.

The aim of the mathematics-related degree programmes is to build practical teaching skills grounded in real-world application, based on a scientific and theoretical foundation.

• Numbers and Operations (Arithmetic): What are numbers, how are they structured and what properties do they have? What is the significance of arithmetic operations, how are they interrelated, and can they be used (to best effect)? One objective is to develop a sound understanding of numbers and operations.
• Space and Shape (Geometry): What geometric objects exist, how can they be described, what properties do they have, and what relationships exist between them? What geometric processes and transformations are there, how can they be carried out, and what happens during these processes? One aim is to develop an understanding of spatial concepts.
• Quantities and measurement: In which areas of measurement (lengths, masses, time, etc.) are measurements and comparisons carried out, and how? How are measurements recorded, and what relationships exist? How can quantities be estimated? One aim is to develop an understanding of quantities.
• Equations and Functions (Algebra and Calculus).
• Data, frequency, probability (statistics, stochastics): How can data be collected, presented and interpreted? How can probabilities be described theoretically and experimentally – including using numbers?