Skip to main content

Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Trinity Menu Trinity Search

School of Education

You are here Programmes > Postgraduate > Masters in Education > Mathematics Education

Mathematics Education

Mathematics Education is a collaborative programme between the School of Education and the School of Mathematics at Trinity College Dublin. This programme aims to act as an enhancement course for developing high quality mathematics educators. It intends to address mathematical content knowledge along with exploring mathematical practices for teachers and highlighting current national and international issues in mathematics education.

Apply

Course Coordinator | Dr Mark Prendergast

Is this course for me?

The course is suited to mathematics educators at all levels of the education system, but particularly second level teachers. It is also for other suitably qualified professionals working in the area of mathematics education, training and support. The course is rooted in practical experience while emphasising the theoretical study of education. Overall the strand aims to integrate theory with practice and is intended for practitioners who wish to gain a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of mathematics education through a research-based programme.

See more details on the main courses website

Course Structure

The programme has taught and research components and may be taken on a one year full-time basis or on a two or three year part-time basis.

The taught component includes four modules each including 25 hours of direct contact time.

The research component involves carrying out a research project and completing a dissertation under the guidance of a supervisor.

  • Start Date: September 2018

    • Course Modules

      Module 1 | Studies in Mathematics Education

    • Examine the philosophy of mathematics education and explore learning theories in teacher education and models of teacher knowledge in the classroom.

      Module 2 | Geometry and Trigonometry

    • Appraise theories of geometry or proposals seeking to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning in geometry.

      Module 3 | Best Practices in Mathematics Education

    • Explore emerging best practices and developments in teaching and learning mathematics.

      Module 4 | Frontier Research and Current Debates in STEM Education

    • Investigate frontier research as well as the most pressing topics and concerns in the field.

    Testimonials

    Tandeep Kaur
    M.Ed Mathematics Education, 1 Year Full-time 2017-2018, Trinity College

    I have been a mathematics teacher in India for the past 19 years and have always been very interested in the field of education. It was a great opportunity for me to be selected as a part of the class of 2017-18 for the M.Ed. in Mathematics Education in TCD. The nature of this research-based masters helped me hone my skills and enhance my understanding of areas that impact students' learning. The curriculum of the course was inclusive to suit the needs and interests of international students. The way the course was taught by experienced professors created a very stimulating learning environment throughout. The modules were very engaging and worthwhile with excellent content, along with enlightening workshops on pedagogical methods. For my research thesis, I was constantly supported and guided by my supervisor. I am very happy with the journey I've experienced and the skills that I've learned in the process.

    FAQs

    Q: What is the aim of the course?

    A: Overall the course aims to integrate theory with practice and enable students to gain a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of mathematics education through a research-based programme.

    Q: Is the course suitable for international students?

    A: Yes, we welcome students from all over the world. This is an important aspect of the course as it enables students to learn from each other and share international best practices in mathematics education.

    Q: I am currently in a full time teaching position in Ireland. Is it possible to combine this with the M.Ed. in Mathematics Education?

    A: Yes, the majority of our students are full-time teachers. All of the lectures are timetabled in the evening time (one evening per week) or in the school mid-term breaks (October and February).

    Q: I am worried that my mathematical content knowledge will not be strong enough?

    A: The course is primarily a mathematics education course with a focus on current research and best practices in the field. While the 'Geometry and Trigonometry' module is content focused, the overall aim of the module is still concerned with improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning in the domain. This is reflected in the module's mode of assessment where students are asked to complete an essay and develop a portfolio of electronic resources for teaching.

    Q: I would like to find out more information about the course…. who do I contact?

    A: Please contact Dr Mark Prendergast via email at mark.prendergast@tcd.ie or via phone at 01-8964855 and he would be delighted to discuss further.