Maths subject knowledge: fractions, decimals and percentages NE205 / A21

Duration
6 Weeks
Learning Method
Online Delivered CPD

Summary

Online, self-paced course. Participants can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date. When asked which topic in mathematics do students find difficult, and which topic is most difficult to teach, often teachers will reply: fractions. Fractions, decimals and percentages are introduced to students early in the curriculum, and remain a major focus until the end of secondary school.
The key stage 3 and GCSE mathematics specifications all refer to mathematics as being a highly connected subject. In reality, many topics in mathematics are taught in isolation, with little or no reference to links within other topics in the curriculum.
In this course, we not only tackle why students find fractions difficult, but also consider approaches to teaching fractions to alleviate these problems. We will address connections by approaching fractions, decimals and percentages as three interconnected topics. 

Who is it for?

This course is designed specifically for teachers and educators who do not have a specialism in mathematics, but wish to learn mathematical methods and improve their understanding. This course is suitable for: new teachers, student teachers or people just about to start their teaching career who are interested in increasing their mathematical subject knowledge; inexperienced teachers of mathematics for whom mathematics was not a major part of their degree; non-specialist teachers of mathematics whose expertise lies elsewhere; parents wishing to support their children.

What topics are covered?

This six week course covers:
  • what is a fraction?
  • expressing fractions as decimals and as percentages.
  • multiplying fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • adding and subtracting fractions, decimals and percentages.
  • dividing with decimals and fractions.
  • delving deeper into percentages.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. Participants can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date. Find out how our online CPD works.
This course is not facilitated. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.

How long is this course?

This course takes around three hours per week to complete and you do not need to be online at any specific time. You can take the course at your own pace.

Who is the course leader?

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • identify why students find the concept of fractions demanding.
  • develop strategies to enable students to demonstrate their understanding, and use, of fractions.
  • explore the links between fractions, decimals and percentages and become fluent in their application in differing contexts.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical structure - not just teach the ‘tricks’.
  • solve mathematical problems in context.  

Sessions

DateTime
Maths subject knowledge: fractions, decimals and percentages02 August 202100:00-00:00

Notes

FutureLearn terms and conditions: This course is hosted on the FutureLearn social learning platform and you will need to create an account if you do not already have one. 

In addition to STEM Learning Terms and Conditions, by booking on this course you are consenting to your details being shared with FutureLearn under their Terms and Conditions for Invited Learners. By booking onto this course, you agree that your information will be held by FutureLearn and National STEM Learning Centre as data controllers in common, and your progress on this course will be monitored by STEM Learning.

If you have booked in advance of the course being available, you will receive access to the course on FutureLearn no later than the course start date.

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Cost

State-funded school or collegeActivity fee£180.00
Fee-paying school or college (independent)Activity fee£225.00

Additional information

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