CONT930: Teaching Mathematics in BC Elementary Schools

Course Schedule

Course Description

What does effective mathematics teaching look like in today’s classrooms? How can we create learning environments where all students see themselves as capable mathematicians? In what ways can we design instruction that deepens understanding while fostering curiosity, confidence, and joy in mathematics?

This course invites educators to explore the teaching of mathematics through the lens of the BC Mathematics curriculum in the elementary and middle school years. Grounded in the belief that numeracy is essential for meaningful participation in society, you will examine how mathematics can be experienced as a creative, culturally responsive, and inclusive discipline. You will explore the structure of the curriculum, including big ideas, core competencies, and curricular competencies, while learning how to prioritize essential standards that support depth of understanding over breadth of coverage.

Throughout the course, you will engage in inquiry, collaboration, reflection, and classroom application to develop effective instructional and assessment practices. You will investigate a range of instructional approaches, including direct, guided, and inquiry-based teaching, and consider how to create positive mathematics learning environments that value growth mindset, student voice, and the productive use of mistakes. Emphasis will be placed on designing rich mathematical tasks and routines that balance conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, reasoning, and problem solving.

In this course, you will work alongside colleagues to develop pedagogical strategies that support diverse learners through inclusive and responsive instruction. You will design and implement meaningful mathematics learning experiences with multiple entry points and opportunities for extension. Importantly, you will reflect on your own beliefs about mathematics teaching and learning, applying your developing understanding to assess student thinking, guide instruction, and create engaging, equitable mathematics classrooms that support all learners.

What You Will Learn and Do

In this course, you’ll have the opportunity to

• understand the role of numeracy in supporting meaningful participation in society and fostering joyful, creative, and culturally relevant mathematical experiences
• understand how students learn math through inquiry, problem solving, play, discourse, and inclusive, responsive teaching practices that support all learners
• know the BC Elementary Math curriculum (big ideas, core competencies, curricular content) and how to identify essential outcomes that prioritize depth over breadth
• know effective instructional approaches and environments, including when to use direct or inquiry-based teaching, and how to build a positive, growth-oriented math culture
• design and differentiate rich mathematical tasks with multiple entry points, ensuring all learners are challenged and supported
• apply, assess, and adapt instruction by using conceptual and procedural understanding, analyzing student learning, and refining teaching to deepen mathematical thinking
• incorporate critical and creative thinking skills by embracing new technology and promoting creative solutions through invention and innovation in teaching and learning practices

Application Requirements

Courses and Post-Graduate Certificates are approved by TQS for Category Upgrade. If you would like these courses to be used towards Category Upgrading, you must have a valid BC Teacher Certificate.

ECEs, EAs, and other education professionals are welcome to take the courses without Certification.

Course Materials

There are no additional resources required for this course.

Accommodations

Applicants who require accommodations for a specific learning need (e.g., learning disability) within their AQ/ABQ course, should click here for further information and support.

Have a question? Contact us!

Refund Schedule

• If you drop a course by the midpoint of the course, you will receive 100% of your course fee
• If you drop a course after the midpoint, before the end of the course, you will receive 50% of your course fee

For more about our refund policies, visit our Fees & Refunds page.