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Offered by the Department of Mathematics

Objectives

The MSc in Mathematics Education program prepares students to teach mathematics competently at the middle and secondary school levels. It has a strong emphasis on mathematics content and the role of psychology in the teaching and learning of mathematics. It is designed to provide necessary skills, including the use of manipulatives, virtual environments, computer algebra systems and ICT in the classroom, and content and pedagogical knowledge for mathematics teachers who are in service as well as recent graduates who wish to embark on a rewarding career teaching mathematics here or abroad. It provides opportunities for in service teachers to reflect on their existing practice and engage in extended academic study to support their practice and their continuing professional development.  This program also gives an opportunity to others to study mathematics education at the master's level.

Eligibility

A Bachelor of Science with Pure Mathematics or Applied Mathematics or Mathematics as a subject

OR

any other equivalent qualification acceptable to the senate of the University of Colombo.

The candidates will be selected based on an interview and/or written examination.

Course Fees

For Sri Lankan Students -

LKR 250,000/- (subject to change)

For International Students –

US $ 3000

For Sri Lankan coming from a foreign territory – 50% discount from USD 3000/-

Application Fee: LKR 2,000/-

*The course fees cannot be paid in installments. However, students are eligible for the Bank of Ceylon Comprehensive Educational Loan Scheme.


Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

At the end of the two years (SLQF Level 9)   MSc in Mathematics Education Degree holders should be able to:

  • ILO I: Demonstrate deep knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques, and reasoning methods of mathematics relevant to middle and secondary school mathematics,
  • ILO II: Demonstrate problem solving heuristics relevant to middle and secondary school mathematics,
  • ILO III: Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of what it means to learn mathematics and where and how mathematical misconceptions and student confusion can occur in middle and secondary school mathematics,
  • ILO IV: Draw on insights from cognitive psychology, learning theories and the philosophy and history of mathematics in order to create meaningful learning experiences,
  • ILO V: Integrate mathematics educational theory and research findings, mathematics content and pedagogical content knowledge and professional standards in planning lessons,
  • ILO VI: Use computer technology to enhance student learning in mathematics,
  • ILO VII: Acknowledge the impact of home life, cultural background, individual learning differences, attitudes and beliefs towards mathematics in learning mathematics and create classroom learning environments that are stimulating and accommodating for diverse student populations,
  • ILO VIII: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of literature and concepts relating to mathematics education research,
  • ILO IX: Critically analyze mathematics education issues and practices, and
  • ILO X: Reflect on their teaching practices and improve, and uphold ethical standards in the teaching practice.

Programme Structure and Duration

The MSc programme consists of two parts, Part I (Postgraduate Diploma) and Part II. Part I contains coursework (25C) and Part II contains an independent guided project (5C) . The duration of the entire programme is two years and the duration of Part I is 18 months.

PART I:

First Semester

Course Module Name Details
MME 5021 Foundations of Education 15L, 1C
MME 5029 Proofs and Concepts: The Fundamentals of Abstract Mathematics 30L, 2C
MME 5027 History and Pedagogy of Mathematics 30L, 2C
MME 5026 Teaching Mathematics with Computer Algebra Systems 60P, 2C

Second Semester

Course Module Name Details
MME 5023 Mathematics Education Seminar 30P, 1C
MME 5022 Curriculum and Teaching 30P, 1C
MME 5024 The Psychology of Teaching and Learning Mathematics 30L, 2C
MME 5032 Perspectives in Geometry and Vectors 30L, 2C
MME 5028 Problem Solving Heuristics in Mathematics 30L, 2C
MME 5026 Teaching Mathematics with Computer Algebra Systems 60P, 2C

Third Semester

Course Module Name Details
MME 5025 Teaching Mathematics with Manipulatives, Virtual Environments and ICT 15L 30P, 2C
MME 5030 Perspectives in Algebra 30L, 2C
MME 5031 Perspectives in Analysis 30L, 2C
MME 5033 Perspectives in Classical Mechanics 30L, 2C
MME 5034 Research Methodology in Mathematics Education 15L 30P, 2C

PART II: Fourth Semester

Course Module Name Details
MME 5035 Project 150P, 5C

Degree Awarding Criteria

Students are required to offer 30 credits consisting of all the course modules including the independent guided project. Those who obtain a GPA of not less than 3.00 for part I of the program will be allowed to proceed to Part II of the program. Students who fail to obtain a GPA of 3.00 but maintain a GPA of not less than 2.70 in Part I will be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.

Students who proceed to Part II will be assigned an independent guided project of six months duration. Those who complete Part II and obtain GPA of 3.00 or above for Part II will be eligible for the award of MSc in Mathematics Education.

In addition to these, the general guidelines of the Faculty of Science are applicable for the award of the MSc and the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education.

Mode of Delivery

Mode of delivery is 100% online. Lectures/Discussions/Lab Classes will be conducted online via Zoom on Sundays. A Learning Management  System will be used to deliver course material and facilitate discussion forums/chats.

2024 Intake

Registration information regarding the 2024 intake will be published soon.

Pre–registration Form

(Please fill-in the pre-registration form, we will inform you when the applications are called for the 2024 intake)

*** Please find more details of the program:
MSc in Mathematics Education Handbook 2022 Batch

Further Information

Further information regarding the MSc Program can be obtained by contacting the following people:

Academic Inquiries

Name Email Phone No Mobile No
Dr. Chanakya Wijeratne (Programme Director) cjw@maths.cmb.ac.lk 011 250 1731 076 803 6233
Dr. Nayana Wanasingha (Program Coordinator) nayana@maths.cmb.ac.lk 075 411 7280