EDF5829 Mathematics in the early years
Faculty of Education
EDF5829 Mathematics in the early years is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Education, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites and unlocks 1 unit.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 2 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before EDF5829
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After EDF5829
1 unit list EDF5829 as a prerequisite or corequisite.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in D6001
Overview
This unit focuses on how young children develop mathematical thinking across various settings, such as home, preschool, school, and community. You will explore how to support children’s mathematics learning from infancy through early school years, drawing on current research, policies, and curriculum frameworks. Key concepts include the role of play, inquiry, and problem solving in developing mathematical reasoning, engagement, and a positive attitude toward mathematics. You will investigate tools and strategies for monitoring and supporting children’s progress inclusively. By reflecting on your own experiences as a learner, you will understand how your beliefs about mathematics influence your teaching. Overall this unit is designed to support you to build your conceptual framework for understanding children’s mathematical growth.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus, block |
Assessment
- Assessment of mathematical learning to inform responsive teaching (2000 words or equivalent)Written50%
- Plan a sequence of mathematics lessons (2000 words or equivalent)Artefact50%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
demonstrate understanding of key curriculum principles relating to the learning of mathematics through play, games and resources for young learners
- 2
identify everyday learning experiences in a range of settings that foster young children's mathematical thinking and reasoning
- 3
develop appropriate strategies that link mathematics to practical applications in relation to the four domains (Number, Measurement, Geometry and Probability and Statistics)
- 4
synthesise findings and information in the research literature about how young children learn mathematics and effective strategies for promoting their ability to think mathematically
- 5
demonstrate the capacity to use tools, technologies, and processes for assessing children's thinking and fostering their mathematical progress
- 6
reflect on your personal professional learning in the field of mathematics.
Workload and teaching
- Tutorials24 hours
- Teaching approachActive learning
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per teaching period comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study.
Usually, you can expect to engage with:
• 24 hours* of scheduled learning delivered on campus via weekly/regular directed learning activities; and
• the remaining hours to be allocated towards self-directed/independent study
Scheduled learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.
*Subject to variation due to professional experience requirements
You will be provided with the opportunity to engage with relevant literature and resources. Further, you will be encouraged to deepen your understanding of topic areas through collegial discussion and debate, and by participating in activities designed to extend your understanding.
Learning resources
Recommended resources
Please visit the unit Moodle site for further information.
Where it fits
EDF5829 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Ann Downton
- Chief Examiners
- Dr Ann Downton
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for EDF5829?
EDF5829 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
What can I take after EDF5829?
EDF5829 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including EDF5853.
When is EDF5829 offered?
In 2026, EDF5829 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
How much work is EDF5829?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does EDF5829 have an exam?
No. EDF5829 has 2 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include EDF5829?
EDF5829 is part of Early childhood and primary education.