Education Studies - Primary Mathematics Education

The Master in Education Studies (Primary Mathematics Education) is a fully online, part-time Masters course taught over two years. Practice and research in primary mathematics education provide the foundation for this course.



What is the Master in Education Studies (Primary Mathematics Education?)

The Master in Education Studies (Primary Mathematics Education) prepares participants to advance primary mathematics education by building an online community where participants will interact with fellow teachers from a range of locations and diverse school settings. Course content follows an online, interactive approach where weekly synchronous and asynchronous classes are designed to promote collaboration, build knowledge, and encourage students to interact effectively in a digital environment.



Who is the course for?

This course appeals to primary school teachers with an interest in mathematics education and teachers who aspire to or currently work as mathematics leaders, as teacher educators at initial or in-service levels, or as inspectors with the Department of Education. Although designed for primary teachers in Ireland, the online delivery of the course means that suitably qualified teachers from other countries may apply for a place.



What will I study?

Students will take six discrete modules in first year:

> Understanding Primary Mathematics Education

> Contemporary Issues Primary Mathematics Education

> Inclusive Primary Mathematics Education

> Mathematics Learning Difficulties and Interventions

> Differentiation and Challenge in Primary Mathematics

> Leadership in Primary Mathematics Education



In year 2, students focus on one of these areas in greater depth, develop research skills and prepare a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of choice, relevant to primary mathematics education.

Year 1

Module 1 – Understanding Primary Maths Education

› Introduction to primary mathematics education

› Academic skills for mathematics research

› Theory of learning in primary mathematics education

› Epistemological frameworks in mathematics teaching

› The role of mathematics in the world

› The role of social context in mathematical education



Module 2 – Contemporary Issues in the teaching and learning of Primary Mathematics

› Mathematisation

› Contemporary approaches to problem-solving

› Perspectives on the teaching of geometry to children

› Integrated approaches to mathematics education

› Using technology in mathematics education

› STEAM education in primary schools



Module 3 – Inclusive Primary Maths Education

› Inclusion in primary mathematics education

› Social justice in the primary mathematics classroom

› Culturally responsive mathematics pedagogy

› Diverse approaches to teaching and learning in primary mathematics

› The role of technology in inclusive mathematics practices

› Inclusive assessment practices in the primary mathematics classroom



Module 4 – Mathematics

Learning Difficulties and Interventions

› Learning difficulties and primary maths education

› Dyscalculia

› Mathematics anxiety and developing a growth mindset

› Assessments to identify primary mathematics learning difficulties

› Interventions to improve primary mathematics (Early mathematical awareness)

› Universal design for learning



Module 5 – Differentiation and Challenges in Primary Mathematics

› Tasks in primary mathematics education

› Models of differentiation

› Diagnostic assessment in primary school mathematics

› Combining challenges and differentiation in practice

› Professional development in primary mathematics education

› Evaluating cases of instruction in diverse settings and advising on strategies for improvement



Module 6 – Leadership in Primary Mathematics Education

› What is leadership in primary mathematics?

› The relationship between policy and change in primary mathematics

› Mathematics leadership models

› Extending pedagogy

› Establishing professional learning communities

› Leadership and learning using lesson study



Year 2

Dissertation Module

› Research methods in education

› Research design and ethics in education research

› Constructing a research proposal

› Independent research

Minimum entry requirements

› An honours degree (level 8) with second class honours or higher and at least three years’ teaching experience or equivalent professional experience.



› In exceptional cases students who meet the honours degree requirement but do not have the necessary experience, may be required to satisfy the course admission committee, through an interview process and a written academic assignment, that they have the ability to complete and benefit from the course and are resident in a time zone that is compatible with full participation on the course.



› English Language Requirement: please check www.mie.ie/englishlanguage

2 years part-time.

Delivery online (synchronous and asynchronous, on mid-week evenings GMT).