Stockholm university
Gå till denna sida på svenska webben

Early Childhood Education focusing on Mathematics and Technology

This course provides an introduction to the field of mathematics. It covers both children’s and the student´s own relationship to mathematics, as well as mathematical learning theories related to gender. The course considers children’s mathematical activities and exploration in their daily lives.

Children constructing a tower with small blocks and plates.
Photo: Mostphotos/dgr.

In the course, mathematics is treated as a language and studied using practical-aesthetic and multimodal forms of expression. The course also give an introduction to technology.

The use of pedagogical documentation is extended as a tool to monitor and challenge learning processes, as well as to reflect on the students’ own pedagogical actions. The course content is consistently discussed in relation to the task of a preschool teacher and the objectives of the curriculum:

  • the importance of play for children’s use of mathematics;
  • how children create meaning from the study of signs and symbols;
  • various practical-aesthetic approaches that stimulate mathematics;
  • stimulate and challenge children's interest in technology;
  • listening and conversation as didactic tools.

The course is offered for international exchange students, students from the Program in Early Childhood Education as well as students who have applied for the course as a free standing (single subject) course.

 

 

 

 

  • Course structure

    The course is offered autumn semesters and spring semesters.

    Study pace: Full time studies, 100%.

    Modules

    Course module Early Childhood Education perspective on Mathematics and Technology, 8 credits

    The module gives an introduction to mathematics and technology in preschool from a Early Childhood Education perspective, it covers:

    • mathematics and technology in pre-school education — teaching and learning,
    • an exploratory approach in relation to mathematics and technology,
    • practical-aesthetic learning processes and play in relation to Early Childhood Education focusing on mathematics and technology,
    • learning theories and knowledge traditions in relation to mathematics, technology and norms in society.


    Course module Early Mathematics and Aesthetic Expressions, 4 credits

    From a subject didactic perspective, the module provides an introduction to mathematics in preschool, it deals with:

    • early mathematical concepts and activities,
    • the mathematical areas: space, shape, position, direction, quantity, number, order, number concepts, measurement, time and change,
    • how children's play, exploration of signs, symbols and other expressions as well as aesthetic expressions are important for mathematical learning,
    • practical-aesthetic learning processes and play in relation to mathematics in preschool.

     

    Teaching format

    Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops/laboratory work, individual assignments and group assignments, as well as via the university’s virtual learning environment Athena.


    Attendance at specified teaching sessions is mandatory. Absence must be compensated for as described in the course description.
    The language of instruction is English.

     

    Study Guide

    The Study Guide for the course will be published at the latest one month prior to the course start.

    Study guide UB314F Early Childhood Education focusing on Mathematics and Technology_AU 2023_231018_ (303 Kb)

    Study Guide the spring semester 2024 - To be published at the latest one month prior to the course start

    Assessment

    Forms of examination

    Course module Early Childhood Education perspective on Mathematics and Technology,8 credits is examined on the basis of:

    • Individual written paper, G = Pass U= Fail
    • Individual written paper, grading A-F

    Course module Early Mathematics and Aesthetic Expressions, 4 credits is examined on the basis of:

    • Oral and Individual written paper, grading G = Pass U= Fail

    In order to pass the course, students must receive at least grade E or G on all examinations,complete all assignments as per the course description and fulfil all obligatory attendance requirements.

    For more information about the examinations please see the study guide for the relevant semester.

    Next opportunity for re-examination

    The next opportunity for re-examination will take place the March 1st 2024.

    Students who want to re-take the examination shall contact the course administrator at the latest the the February 9th.

    The assignments will be the same and will be handed in on the Athena page no later than March 1st, 17.00.

     

     

    Examiner

    Autumn semester 2023:Teresa Elkin Postila

    Spring semester 2024:Anna Günther-Hanssen

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

    The course is offered spring and autumn semesters.

    Spring semester 2024 April 10th until May 31st

    Schedule spring semester 2024 (Preliminary until one month prior to the course start)

    Autumn semester 2024 November 15th until January 19th

    Schedule autumn semester 2024 (To be published at the latest one month prior to the course start).

  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

    The course literature will be published at the latest two months prior to the course start.

    Please note that the course literature for the spring semester 2024 will be the same as the spring semester 2023.

  • Course reports

  • More information

    Combine courses to study a full semester

    Please note that it is possible to combine with the following two courses in order to study a full semester 30 credits (ECTS) focusing on science, technology, education for sustainable development, mathematics and explorative learning in the context of Early Childhood Education.

    Early Childhood Education Focusing on Science and Education for Sustainability, 12 credits (ECTS).

    Early Childhood Education: Explorative Learning, 6 credits (ECTS).

    How to apply

    Application - a Step by Step Guide

    It is important that you docucment your eligibility and language proficiency in your application. You can find more information at universityadmissions.se:

    Documenting eligibility

    Documenting English proficiency

    Exchange students

    Please note that exchange students apply according to a separate routine.

    Anmälan till kursen för dig som läser Förskollärarprogrammet

    Studenter inom Förskollärarprogrammet som vill läsa den engelska terminen anmäler sig till kursen/kurserna via institutionen. Ett informationsmöte om detta hålls under termin två i anslutning till föreläsning.

    More information about studying at Stockholm University

    New student at Stockholm University

    Welcome activities for new students

    Academic writing service

    Stockholm University Library

     

    Directions and Maps

    Please note that the lectures/seminars will take place at several different areas of the Stockholm University campus. Please take the time to check directions before the lectures.

    In most cases you have lectures at the Department of Child and Youth Studies.
    See directions to the Department of Child and Youth Studies.

    You will also have a few lectures at the Department of Teaching and Learning.
    See directions to the Department of Teaching and Learning

    One seminar will take place in the building called “Stallet” located at Svante Arrhenius väg 19F (Google Maps).

    One seminar (Makerspace) will take place outside of Stockholm University campus. Kvasar Makespace is Starrbäcksgatan 1, third floor in Sundbyberg. See google maps link.

     

     

     

     

  • Meet us

    Meet our students

    Meet the exchange student Nagomi Sugiyama from Japan

    Nagomi was studying courses in Early Childhood Education during the fall semester 2020 at the Department of Child and Youth Studies.

    Nagomi Sugiyama
    Nagomi Sugiyama

    Read the interview with Nagomi

  • Contact

    If you have questions regarding the content of the course please contact the teacher responsible for the course. If you have administrative questions regarding admissions, registration, registration of grades etc. please contact the course administrator.

    Teacher responsible for the course and course examiner:

    Anna Günther-Hanssen e-mail:anna.gunther.hanssen@buv.su.se

    Course administrator: Malin Håkansson, e-mail: malin.hakansson@buv.su.se