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Application Deadline: 10 May 2013
This programme will open on the 28th March 2013 |
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Introduction
The National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL) at the University of Limerick is pleased to invite applications from eligible teachers for this two-year part-time Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (Level 8)/Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht. The programme is closely aligned with the needs of out-of-field teachers of mathematics, Project Maths and the requirements of the Teaching Council.
The Professional Diploma in Mathematics for Teaching (Level 8)/ Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht is funded by the Department of Education and Skills as part of the national strategy to support the implementation of Project Maths and improve standards in mathematics education in post-primary schools by upskilling out-of-field teachers of mathematics. Potential applicants must therefore have a teaching contract, be part of the mathematics teaching team and have a commitment from their school that will continue to be part of this team in order to be deemed eligible.
This university accredited professional diploma (Level 8) will be delivered nationally in a blended learning mode through local nodes in associate partner institutions located in the regions, in face-to-face and/or on-line modalities (click on Map showing regions and participating HE institutes in your area). More specifically lectures and tutorials will be provided in a face to face format and hence successful candidates will be expected to travel to their assigned venue. There are a number of lecture and tutorial venues around the country, you will be assigned according to your school location.
The Dioplóma Gairmiúil sa Mhatamaitic don Mhúinteoireacht is also offered through the medium of Irish for out-of-field teachers of mathematics in Irish-medium and Gaeltacht schools nationwide.
The programme is jointly accredited by the University of Limerick and NUI Galway through their recently established Strategic Alliance.
Aims
The aims of the programme are to ensure that successful candidates:
- acquire the extensive and complex integrated knowledge base including mathematical and pedagogical knowledge that is necessary for effective mathematics teaching at post-primary level with special reference to Project Maths,
- demonstrate an ability to integrate this mathematics knowledge for teaching into professional practice as mathematics teachers,
- develop a high standard of practical competence in mathematics teaching as reflective practitioners during their programme of study.
Programme Structure
A 6-week session structure is superimposed on the academic and calendar years to facilitate teachers in work, during school breaks and summers. This structure offers additional possibilities for participants to complete the programme who may be experiencing difficulties with individual modules. However, all elements of the programme must be completed within 3 years for the award of the qualification. The programme structure is presented in the table below.
Table 1: Programme Structure
Cohort 1 (Start September 2012/End June 2014)
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Sessions |
Summer School |
| Academic Year 2012/13 |
5 |
1 |
| Academic Year 2013/14 |
5 |
0 |
| Total |
10 |
1 |
Cohort 2 (Start September 2013/End June 2015)
| |
Sessions |
Summer School |
| Academic Year 2013/14 |
5 |
1 |
| Academic Year 2014/15 |
5 |
0 |
| Total |
10 |
1 |
Programme Content
Programme content comprises mathematics modules and pedagogical modules. An outline of the programme content is given in Tables 2 and 3.
Content modules with relevant methodology workshops will be offered in 6-week blocks during the academic year and 2-week intensive blocks during the summer.
Table 2: Outline of Mathematics Content
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Module Title |
ECTS Credits |
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Year 1 (5 Modules) |
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Autumn |
Calculus 1
Calculus 2 |
6
6 |
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Spring |
Algebra 1(Linear Algebra and Geometry
Algebra 2 (Algebra and Number Theory)
Probability |
6
6
6 |
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Year 2 (5 Modules) |
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Autumn |
Statistics (with inference)
Calculus 3 |
6
6 |
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Spring |
Problem solving and mathematical modelling
Geometry
History of Mathematics |
6
6
6 |
Note: All modules are electives and will run subject to demand and resources.
Table 3: Indicative Programme (Pedagogy Modules)
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Module Title |
ECTS Credits |
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Year 1 |
Pedagogy and Research in Mathematics Education |
9 |
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Summer |
Summer Institute in Mathematics Teaching and Learning |
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Year 2 |
Action Research in Mathematics Education |
6 |
Admission Requirements
Eligible teachers may apply online. Prospective applicants may check their eligibility by clicking on Terms and Conditions.
Please note that quotas apply for each lot/region. In the event that quotas are exceeded applicants will be required to reapply for the following year.
What to Include with your Application Form
- A copy of your birth certificate/passport (evidence of your legal name).
- Your marriage certificate/deed poll certificate if your name on your qualifications is different to that on your application.
- Qualification transcripts and/or certificates/awards (and English language translation if applicable).
- Your signed Declaration Form.
- Recognised Prior Learning Application.
Schedule Information
All sessions will be held outside school hours on evenings and occasional Saturday mornings. There will also be a summer school commitment. The programme is organised in six week sessions, 2 evenings a week and one Saturday morning per session. One content module is delivered per session. Maths content modules will be assessed by coursework (c.40%) and module exam (c. 60%). Pedagogy modules will be assessed by essays, portfolios, project work etc.
For Further Information Contact:
Course Director:
Prof (Emeritus) J O'Donoghue
National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL)
University of Limerick
Phone: 353-61-234786
Email: John.ODonoghue@ul.ie
