ACE MP or ACE MS
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) in Mathematics (Foundation/IP) (MP)
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) in Mathematics (Senior/FET) (MS)
The ACE in Mathematics Education is conducted by the Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project (RUMEP) and is accredited through the Rhodes University Faculty of Education.
About the course
There is a great need for effective and committed mathematics teachers in this country. Current global and national reforms in mathematics education reinforce the notion that mathematics is a dynamic, problem-solving activity that is fundamental to critical thinking, creativity and growth. Mathematical thinking skills are powerful tools which enable people to function effectively and flexibly in an increasingly technological society. In addition, the study of mathematics is a source of great beauty and fascination. The need is for teachers who are able to help learners to become alive to all these different faces of mathematics.
Course outcomes
The ACE in mathematics education is aimed at the professional growth and development of in-service teachers, who are seeking to become effective, dynamic and passionate mathematics educators. The course has a balance between theoretical concerns involving methodology and mathematical content and the practical concern of working for real improvement of teaching in the routine school environment. It focuses on reflective practice, a process in which teachers make sense of their experiences to enable them to address current problems in the classroom. Reflection supports teachers in understanding the complexities of teaching and enables them to improve the teaching and learning in the classroom.
Each teacher will elect to specialize in teaching a specific phase level (foundation, intermediate, senior or FET), attending specialized sessions focussed at that level. Teachers specializing in foundation or intermediate phase will register for the ACEMP and those specializing in senior phase or FET, will register for the ACEMS.
Course components
The courses have the following components:
ACEMP
Foundation and Intermediate Phase
• The Education Environment
• Mathematics Education
• Teaching Learning and Research
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Curriculum Studies in Mathematics Education 1
• Curriculum Studies in Mathematics Education 2
ACEMS
Senior and FET Phase
• The Education Environment
• Mathematics Education
• Teaching Learning and Research
• Literacy and Numeracy
• Technology
• Curriculum Studies: Mathematics Education 1
• Curriculum Studies: Mathematics Education 2
Course outline
These are part time courses over two years. Students will meet at Rhodes University for two weeks in January and two weeks in July each year. They will stay in residence for this period, allowing students to participate in the collegial environment of the university, attending lectures and engaging in collaborative inquiry. Collaborative group work allows teachers to work less as isolated individuals but rather as colleagues sharing knowledge and experiences. It also offers teachers opportunity to face the changes in teaching.
Through the course of each year, students are expected to implement work from the contact sessions, in their own classroom teaching practice. A teaching portfolio will be developed, providing evidence of the practical implementation of their learning. In addition, they will carry out research into their own teaching practice.
The implementation of OBE in mathematics education is also an important part of the course. Modules will also include topics such as creative methodologies, planning for pace and progression and the effective use of different forms of assessment.
Students who have successfully completed the ACE Mathematics education may elect not to graduate, but instead to continue with the third year of study for the Bachelor of Education (Inservice): Mathematics
Fees, bursaries and applications
As the cost of the course includes both academic registration and residence fees, RUMEP makes every effort to obtain funding for bursaries for participants. The full cost of the course for the year 2008 was R5120.00 (academic), R6330 (residence) and R1500 (materials) per year. The cost for a bursary holder was R1500 per year. Bursary holders are expected to remain employed as teachers for 2 years after the course (one year for each year of the bursary).
The first contact session for the next ACE will be held in January 2009.
Further Information
For further information please contact:
Dr Rose Spanneberg
Director
RUMEP
Rhodes University
P.O.Box 94
Grahamstown, 6140
Phone: 046 603 8166
Fax: 046 622 5213
Email: R.Spanneberg@ru.ac.za
Application forms are available from:
The Student Bureau
Rhodes University
P.O. Box 94
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: +27 (0) 46 603 8276
Fax: +27 (0) 46 603 7350
Email: registra@ru.ac.za
Website: http://www.ru.ac.za/applying
Application forms can also be obtained by phoning the RUMEP secretary at (046) 603 8166 or sending an email to Lynette at L.Sparrow@ru.ac.za
