Would you like to get your teaching credentials in mathematics?
The Masters degree (formerly a major) in mathematical didactics at Agder University College began in 1994, and is unique in its kind in Norway. The degree is relevant for students of teacher education wishing for a solid background in mathematics.
What is mathematical didactics?
Mathematical didactics can shortly be described as the process of learning, teaching and how we learn and understand mathematics, and they look at how the material can be more aptly chosen and adapted- all the way from preschool to university. Mathematical didactics also tie in math with different academic areas, such as psychology and pedagogies, history and anthropology, and tests this to what is done in the schools.
As an academic discipline mathematical didactics is considered to be young, however it have an expansive and vital research and scientific base. The field is overflowing with research, publications, rapports etc., on peoples`cognitive skills, how we communicate, how to teach math and so on.
What does a master`s degree in mathematical didactics consist of?
If you hold a bachelors degree the masters will consist of 60 ECTS of obligatory subjects and a two semester master thesis. For students with a teacher`s degree the masters will consist of 90 ECTS of obligatory subjects and a one semester master thesis. It is considered to be of vital importance that the programme has a close relationship with both national and international experts in this field. Research seminars will be held each autumn to ensure this contact.
What does the programme demand of you?
Needless to say you`ll need great understanding and knowledge of mathematics. You will have to prove this by holdning no less than 80 ECTS in mathematical studies prior to applying. As a rule, students teachers complete a 30 ECTS programme during their study period, and they need further 60 ECTS, including a gradepoint average of C (or 2,7), to be accepted for a master degree.
The programme also includes practical pedagogical knowledge, and student teachers will have already fulfilled this criterion as it is a part of the obligatory modules in their education. If you`ve taken PPU (Praktisk pedagogisk utdanning- practical pedagogies training) the criterion will also have been fulfilled. Teaching experience is not necessary, but a definite plus for this programme. The programme demands a steady and constant commitment to the work. Some reading in English must be expected (research articles and such). Project works, document studies, classrom visits, examining and gathering of data and so on, are also a part of the programme. It is expected that students work on their thesis systematically and independently. UIA emphasize good working environment for the students and a close connection between the student and the supervisors/mentors, and because of this focus most students do graduate on time. A completed study secures you a master`s degree in mathematical didactics.
Are mathematical didacticians in demand?
There is great need for well qualified math teachers on all levels of education. In many countries there has been a significant drop in applicants to engineering and science programmes, not to mention the education of teachers of engineering and science. Demographic analysis also suggests that the numbers of engineering and science teachers will decrease. There is therefore a great demand for mathematical didacticians.
Where can I find more information about this programme?
Engelsk versjon: Matematikkdidaktikk - et studium for deg?
Studenter med 60 studiepoeng fra grunnskolelærerutdanningen eller tilsvarende, kan gjennomføre mastergradsstudier målrettet for framtidig arbeid i grunnskolens 1.- 7. trinn eller 5. - 10. trinn
Studenter med minimum 80/90 studiepoeng matematikk fra bachelorbakgrunn, allmennlærerutdanning eller tilsvarende, kan gjennomføre mastergradsstudier målrettet for framtidig arbeid i skolens trinn 8- 13.
Universitetet i Agder tilbyr også femårig lektorutdanning for arbeid i skolens trinn 8- 13, hvor matematikk kan velges som fag med masterfordypning.