For anyone interested in gaining a Maths qualification

rainbowtrout · 22-06-2011 12:09pm #1

I've been doing Maths modules with the Open University for the last couple of years with the view to getting a maths degree. Two of their maths degrees are recognised by the Teaching Council, so I had picked one of those so I'd also be qualified to teach maths as well.

Anyway there was a small piece in the May (I think) issue of Astir about gaining maths qualifications and it stated that if you have maths in the first year of your primary degree and you do the following OU modules : MST121, MS221 and M208 the Teaching Council will register you for maths. Anyway I had those modules done and more with it.

So I rang the TC and got through to a human!!! Explained my situation, she told me it sounded fine, to send in my original degree transcript, my OU transcript and a cover letter explaining what I wanted. Did that last Wednesday and yesterday checked my profile on the TC website and there I am registered for maths. Couldn't believe that there was no problems with red tape.

In case anyone is wondering a full degree with OU is 360 credits and those three modules are 30, 30 and 60 credits each so it makes up one third of a degree.

I will still finish the degree but I'm under no pressure to get it done in a shorter time now and I can choose other subjects if I want to make up my credits which keeps it more interesting.

Just thought I'd post for anyone that is interested .

therunaround · 22-06-2011 12:12pm

Thats brilliant, did they not try to charge you for adding on a subject? How long would one of these modules take and cost?

Also congrats on a fantastic ag science book, gone through it forensically and its really impressive

rainbowtrout · 22-06-2011 12:25pm

therunaround wrote: »

Thats brilliant, did they not try to charge you for adding on a subject? How long would one of these modules take and cost?

Also congrats on a fantastic ag science book, gone through it forensically and its really impressive

Thanks:D

A 30 credit OU modules is currently £785, which is about €880. A 60 credit module is £1320 (€1480).

The first module MST121 usually runs Oct - June. Continuous assessment assignments, no end of year exam. There's also a second run of it from Feb - Oct.

The second module MS221, runs Oct - June, assignments plus end of year exam. You could do both of those modules at the same time, it is doable and is a common enough combination.

The third module M208, runs Jan - Oct, more heavy going. If you were willing to go all out you could start in October this year and be done by October the following year. If not you could do the first two modules in one year and do the following module in the second year. Again assignments plus end of year exam.

When I did it, MS221 was only offered Feb - Oct, so i started it when I was halfway through MST121. I also took on M208 at the same time, so I had the three done in one year.

Realistically you could do all of MST121 from Sept (they send out the books before the course starts) to Christmas which is what I did, I had the asssignments completed and ready to be posted on the necessary dates and then I could focus on the other two modules.

Totally doable and very much worth it if you want a core subject to add to your list of subjects.

EDIT: Oh ya, the TC didn't charge me either!!

Oh ya, OU degrees qualify for tax relief on tuition fees from the revenue, so it does take some pain out of the cost.

therunaround · 22-06-2011 12:48pm

cool, iv an ag science degree so iv ag biology and junior science. I also teach maths up to ol leaving cert, and strangely although i found maths boring in school, its the one I probably teach best, iv really got into it.
Think id have to stretch it over the 2 years, iv a lot of extra curricular stuff, until 7 most evenings, but I think I may have to do something like these OU modules for my job security. The principal is getting flustered about the teaching council even though they have shag all power to do anything from what I can see

rainbowtrout · 22-06-2011 1:14pm

therunaround wrote: »

cool, iv an ag science degree so iv ag biology and junior science. I also teach maths up to ol leaving cert, and strangely although i found maths boring in school, its the one I probably teach best, iv really got into it.
Think id have to stretch it over the 2 years, iv a lot of extra curricular stuff, until 7 most evenings, but I think I may have to do something like these OU modules for my job security. The principal is getting flustered about the teaching council even though they have shag all power to do anything from what I can see

Ya it could be the difference between getting redeployed or losing your job to someone else because they have the subject and you don't. It certainly can't hurt to have an extra subject.

Celephais · 22-06-2011 3:48pm

Interesting, that could be worth looking into as a future option for improving my employability. I'm quite nervous doing the Dip in just English and RE, so I'm already planning ahead to add another two subjects onto my qualifications if possible. Glad that everything worked out nicely for you!

mimmi · 23-06-2011 10:29am

Great feed-back rainbowtrout, nice to hear that TC was so seemless for you ;o)

Just to add, if you dont have First Year Maths as part of a Science or Engineering degree e.g. you have an Arts/Social Science degree, the TC will accept MST121, MS221, M208 and a Level 3 maths module.

rainbowtrout · 23-06-2011 11:01am

mimmi wrote: »

Great feed-back rainbowtrout, nice to hear that TC was so seemless for you ;o)

Just to add, if you dont have First Year Maths as part of a Science or Engineering degree e.g. you have an Arts/Social Science degree, the TC will accept MST121, MS221, M208 and a Level 3 maths module.

That's great. If they could just be as clear cut about all the other subjects!

doc_17 · 23-06-2011 11:52am

rainbowtrout wrote: »

That's great. If they could just be as clear cut about all the other subjects!

The beauty of Maths is that it is clear cut!

After the M208 module I did another 60 point course with the OU called the Physical World - absolutely fascinating. I'm sorry I don't have as much time for it anymore though!

Miss Lockhart · 23-06-2011 6:01pm

mimmi wrote: »

Great feed-back rainbowtrout, nice to hear that TC was so seemless for you ;o)

Just to add, if you dont have First Year Maths as part of a Science or Engineering degree e.g. you have an Arts/Social Science degree, the TC will accept MST121, MS221, M208 and a Level 3 maths module.

It seems strange that those missing a First Year maths module would need to replace it with a Third Year maths module.

mimmi · 23-06-2011 6:06pm

Miss Lockhart wrote: »

It seems strange that those missing a First Year maths module would need to replace it with a Third Year maths module.

That's the TC for you !!!

doc_17 · 23-06-2011 9:58pm

You can also claim a study tax credit from the revenue. Think it worked out at 300€ for me ( although I paid the high fees that were applicable to people from the south)

Miss Lockhart · 27-06-2011 3:49pm

mimmi wrote: »

That's the TC for you !!!

I know - at times they defy logic.

Have you a link to where it is stated that those without first year maths need a third year module?

Thanks

Toto Wolfcastle · 30-06-2011 9:53pm

I've deleted some of the posts in this thread following advice from the legal guys on Boards. Please do not discuss ways to avoid paying the fees by lying to OU.

mrboswell · 01-07-2011 12:38pm

Thanks to rainbowtrout for posting the positive result - I'm sure there are a number if people on here that are a module or so short (including me).

I'm away on hols so I was wondering if the link for the information to hand? Save me going looking

Thanks

rainbowtrout · 01-07-2011 12:52pm

http://issuu.com/astiunion/docs/astir_may2011_web?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

It's page 5 of the May issue of ASTIR. Titled 'Maths Upgrade for Registration' There is a misprint in the paragraph. They have listed the first module as M121 (no such module exists) when it should be MST121.

biddy boop · 02-07-2011 9:35pm

Hi Rainbow and all,

I have been followin numerous treads re: teachin and goin back to college etc so I really appreciated all the info and insights

I want to get into teachin, however i am fully aware there are no jobs and pay cuts, longer hours, larger classes etc Teachin is simply something Ive always wanted to do &if i dont get quaified now, i nvr will and will be in jobs im never happy in for the rest of my workin life

Furthermore, i want to teach home economics so it means 4 long yrs around €28000 in fees and uprootin to county Sligo

I find out on Thursday if Im accepted, I may defer the year to save money and prepare myself realistically for the transition.

ANYWAY, i would also love to teach maths and i was delighted to read these posts. Can anyone tell me if I do the B.Ed in Home ec and the 4 modules (i dont have 1yr maths) with open university would I too be qualified to teach maths or is the open university route only applicable to PGDE/Hdip grads
Also would I be able to teach business from my other undergraduate that I completed in 2006 after doin the B.Ed in home ec??

Also any other thoughts/advise are welcome although please dont be too negative

Thanks

rainbowtrout · 02-07-2011 11:10pm

biddy boop wrote: »

Hi Rainbow and all,

I have been followin numerous treads re: teachin and goin back to college etc so I really appreciated all the info and insights

I want to get into teachin, however i am fully aware there are no jobs and pay cuts, longer hours, larger classes etc Teachin is simply something Ive always wanted to do &if i dont get quaified now, i nvr will and will be in jobs im never happy in for the rest of my workin life

Furthermore, i want to teach home economics so it means 4 long yrs around €28000 in fees and uprootin to county Sligo

I find out on Thursday if Im accepted, I may defer the year to save money and prepare myself realistically for the transition.

ANYWAY, i would also love to teach maths and i was delighted to read these posts. Can anyone tell me if I do the B.Ed in Home ec and the 4 modules (i dont have 1yr maths) with open university would I too be qualified to teach maths or is the open university route only applicable to PGDE/Hdip grads
Also would I be able to teach business from my other undergraduate that I completed in 2006 after doin the B.Ed in home ec??

Also any other thoughts/advise are welcome although please dont be too negative

Thanks

This should probably get a thread of it's own, but this is my interpretation of your situation.

If you are accepted to the BEd. Home Ec you will be a qualified Home Ec teacher in 4 years time. Once you have registered with the Teaching Council as a Home Ec teacher submit your Business Degree to them. If it's on the list of recognised degrees it would just be added to your list of subjects that you are qualified to teach.

It would be the same if you complete the maths modules with OU. Anyone can enrol in OU once they stump up the fees but you would have to have a teaching qualification for the modules to be added to your list of qualifications.

On another note, as there a number of electives with the Home Ec degree Economics, Biology, Religion, Irish to the best of my knowledge, which option have you chosen? To me it would make most sense to take anyone other than Economics if your Business degree is on the TC list. On the other hand, your degree may not qualify you in Economics if you did Accounting and Marketing or whatever, so maybe it would suit you best.

I myself have a BSc Ed, so the OU maths route is open to any qualified teacher registered with the Teaching Council.

biddy boop · 03-07-2011 12:07am

Rainbowtrout,

You are a star, thank you so much for taking the time to reply.

I know I need to research more regardin the teaching council, but it wasn't until i read this tread that it dawned on me that my previous degree could add to my subjects

It makes me feel more positive about pursuing the 4yr degree in home ec as i will have a few subjects under my belt and therefore more employable. Also I love maths being able to teach that just makes me want to teach more.

Fingers crossed I get accepted, and the 4yrs dont kill me!!

Ps I applied for all the electives, although I dont have the requirements for Irish. Biology is my first choice, as I enjoy it more but also thought science would be more employable again.

theglobe · 06-07-2011 8:10pm

rainbowtrout wrote: »

http://issuu.com/astiunion/docs/astir_may2011_web?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Flight%2Flayout.xml&showFlipBtn=true

It's page 5 of the May issue of ASTIR. Titled 'Maths Upgrade for Registration' There is a misprint in the paragraph. They have listed the first module as M121 (no such module exists) when it should be MST121.

Hi, finding this thread really interesting. Basically I have a commerce degree and want to go into teaching, its turned into a real dead end though with just business subjects, at least for me! I did some maths in my commerce degree and was always decent at maths, how difficult are these modules? Obviously if it qualifies you to to teach it I'm assuming theyre going to be very difficult, but would you want a big background in maths before even considering doing it? Can you then use maths as your primary teaching subject and qualify as a non bbs student? Thaks for all the info!

Edit: kinda misinterpreted there, I'd be hoping to do this before doing the hdip, so I could do my hdip in maths? Is this possible at all?

rainbowtrout · 06-07-2011 11:34pm

theglobe wrote: »

Hi, finding this thread really interesting. Basically I have a commerce degree and want to go into teaching, its turned into a real dead end though with just business subjects, at least for me! I did some maths in my commerce degree and was always decent at maths, how difficult are these modules? Obviously if it qualifies you to to teach it I'm assuming theyre going to be very difficult, but would you want a big background in maths before even considering doing it? Can you then use maths as your primary teaching subject and qualify as a non bbs student? Thaks for all the info!

Edit: kinda misinterpreted there, I'd be hoping to do this before doing the hdip, so I could do my hdip in maths? Is this possible at all?

I don't know if you could do your HDip in Maths this way. I assume the colleges offering the PGDE base it on your degree, particularly as the degree counts for points getting into the course. If you only completed maths modules required by the Teaching Council, you wouldn't have a full maths degree. This route for maths recognition is only available for teachers who already have a full degree and are qualified.

I think to do maths as part of the PGDE you'd probably have to do the whole maths degree... that's just my opinion.

However if you got onto the PGDE with your business degree and qualifed as a business teacher, you could do the maths modules (or you might already have them completed at that stage) and then apply to the Teaching Council once you were registered as a business teacher to have your maths modules added to your list of qualifications so you would be registered for maths as well.

As for the difficulty of the modules, well I find maths handy enough anyway, so I'd be a bit biased. However the first module (MST121) I'd rate on par with Higher Level Leaving Cert Maths and maybe some topics that you would cover in first year maths in college. The second module (MS221) builds on that and is more difficult, but having said that, there were topics in that module that I hadn't studied before where as most of material in the first module was familiar at some level (calculus, matrices I think, statistics, can't remember what else).

The third module has double the number of credits than the first two and double the amount of work as a result. It's also more difficult and does require work. This was a fairly theoretical module, lots of stuff with matrices which I liked, proofs which I'm not too fond of at the best of times - it focuses on Group Theory, Linear Algebra and Analysis mainly. But it is very doable and there are assignments along the way.

EDIT: I just spotted your post on the other thread which is locked now, if you do go ahead and do the modules, the first two MST121 and MS221 will give you a Certificate in Maths when you have the two complete. Somebody on that thread mentioned that a cert will get you a point on the PGDE score thing.

le souteneur · 20-07-2011 9:29pm

Rainbowtrout, I read this post a few weeks ago and thought what you initially stated was great as I have been considering doing a hDip in order to teach maths. I am just about to finish a masters in engineering next year and thought that doing the three modules you stated though the Open university would have me recognised by the teaching council but your last post seems to say this is not the case. Does this only work if you already have a subject fully recognised (such as by doing a degree in say english and then adding maths).
If you could let me know it'd be great and congrats on being recognised yourself for the maths.

doc_17 · 20-07-2011 9:46pm

le souteneur wrote: »

Rainbowtrout, I read this post a few weeks ago and thought what you initially stated was great as I have been considering doing a hDip in order to teach maths. I am just about to finish a masters in engineering next year and thought that doing the three modules you stated though the Open university would have me recognised by the teaching council but your last post seems to say this is not the case. Does this only work if you already have a subject fully recognised (such as by doing a degree in say english and then adding maths).
If you could let me know it'd be great and congrats on being recognised yourself for the maths.

To get into the Dip you must already have a complete degree in a subject on the curriculum. Doing 3 modules from the OU would not meet this criteria....so unless your engineering degree qualifies you to teach a subject on the curriculum then I don't think you'll get into the Dip.

The other route would be to complete a maths degree with the OU and then apply to the Dip.

To get a degree with the OU you need 360 points from a selectionof level 1,2 and 3 courses. The three listed courses are 60 points at 60 points at level 2. You also might gain up to 120 points for previous study (your degree and masters).

There are so some postgrad courses with I think NUI Maynooth that give the holders qualifications in Maths but they might just be for teachers already qualified and not people outside the system but in case I'm wrong you should check it out.

Hopefully I'm correct in most of what I've said but if not then maybe someone will correct me.

rainbowtrout · 21-07-2011 1:12am

le souteneur wrote: »

Rainbowtrout, I read this post a few weeks ago and thought what you initially stated was great as I have been considering doing a hDip in order to teach maths. I am just about to finish a masters in engineering next year and thought that doing the three modules you stated though the Open university would have me recognised by the teaching council but your last post seems to say this is not the case. Does this only work if you already have a subject fully recognised (such as by doing a degree in say english and then adding maths).
If you could let me know it'd be great and congrats on being recognised yourself for the maths.

To be honest, I wouldn't like to call it either way. To get into a PGDE you must hold a degree, to be registered with the TC you must be a qualified teacher and have a degree which is recognised by the TC. So I am assuming that this route is only open to qualified teachers. Otherwise it would leave the way open for people to drop out of college after a year or two and then try to register as teachers, or complete a few modules with OU.

However you hold a degree and I know there are problems with the TC and engineering degrees. There is a lengthy thread on here about it. I imagine that if you contact the TC and get your degree assessed they will tell you that you need more maths modules to be qualified in maths. Probably the ones I listed orginally. Of course they won't tell you if they will recognise your qualifications until you complete the modules.

The PGDE then is another story. No point doing it unless you have a recognised subject. So I guess your first port of call is the TC and see what they have to say.

When I was doing one of the modules I met a guy at one of my tutorials who had a degree in Information Technology from UL, he was in the process of completing the modules as recommended by the TC so he could teach maths. However I can't remember if he had done the PGDE or not. I would guess not as he would have only been qualified in IT, but stranger things have happened.

mimmi · 21-07-2011 10:49am

TC has confirmed situation for engineering graduates after discussions with IEI.

If your engineering degree is IEI 'recognised' you only need to do M208. This is assuming that your engineering degree is one that the TC has pinpointed in lacking the 'appropriate' content re maths.

doc_17 · 21-07-2011 1:18pm

What is the exact title of your degree and where did you do it?

I

doc_17 · 21-07-2011 1:22pm

rainbowtrout wrote: »

To be honest, I wouldn't like to call it either way. To get into a PGDE you must hold a degree, to be registered with the TC you must be a qualified teacher and have a degree which is recognised by the TC. So I am assuming that this route is only open to qualified teachers. Otherwise it would leave the way open for people to drop out of college after a year or two and then try to register as teachers, or complete a few modules with OU.

However you hold a degree and I know there are problems with the TC and engineering degrees. There is a lengthy thread on here about it. I imagine that if you contact the TC and get your degree assessed they will tell you that you need more maths modules to be qualified in maths. Probably the ones I listed orginally. Of course they won't tell you if they will recognise your qualifications until you complete the modules.

The PGDE then is another story. No point doing it unless you have a recognised subject. So I guess your first port of call is the TC and see what they have to say.

When I was doing one of the modules I met a guy at one of my tutorials who had a degree in Information Technology from UL, he was in the process of completing the modules as recommended by the TC so he could teach maths. However I can't remember if he had done the PGDE or not. I would guess not as he would have only been qualified in IT, but stranger things have happened.

I did my degree in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and got into the Dip when only qualified to teach IT.....It was only a few years later that I did the Maths with the OU.....

rainbowtrout · 21-07-2011 4:54pm

doc_17 wrote: »

I did my degree in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science and got into the Dip when only qualified to teach IT.....It was only a few years later that I did the Maths with the OU.....

Oh I didn't mean that he wouldn't have been accepted, just personally I thought it would be a waste of time only being qualified in IT as it is not an exam subject.

ndool · 27-07-2011 10:10pm

hi rainbowtrout,

as part of my science degree i did maths in both first and second year. do you know if i would have to do all 3 OU modules? is it something worth enquiring about with the teaching council? (i've already completed the PGDE)

thanks for all the great info on this! i had no idea anything had been formalised (i use that term loosely... ) by the teaching council.

Also, i've done two stats modules (onein 3rd of undergrad and one in a postgrad)

doc_17 · 28-07-2011 3:48pm

ndool wrote: »

hi rainbowtrout,

as part of my science degree i did maths in both first and second year. do you know if i would have to do all 3 OU modules? is it something worth enquiring about with the teaching council? (i've already completed the PGDE)

thanks for all the great info on this! i had no idea anything had been formalised (i use that term loosely... ) by the teaching council.

Also, i've done two stats modules (onein 3rd of undergrad and one in a postgrad)

There is no way for anyone on this forum to tell you definitively whether you only have to do 1 of those courses or all 3. The only way you will know for sure is to contact the TC, have all your course details (curriculum & syllabi) to hand and then they will tell you.

having said that I can give you an idea what type of maths I had done prior to only having to complete M208 with the OU.

I did maths in first and second year of my degree.....topics studied included Calulus (both strands), Stats, Algebra, Matrices, Complex Number, Sets, Trigonometry, Logs etc...

most of that is covered in the 2 shorter courses but the M208 really takes it further.

ndool · 28-07-2011 3:58pm

thanks doc17. its definitely something i will contact the TC about.

rainbowtrout · 28-07-2011 4:10pm

Just to echo what doc_17 said, I don't know. I don't know the maths content of your degree or what the TC require, so you will have to contact them. The way I would look at it though is that those three modules are the maximum number you would have to complete if you have done first year maths. As you have done more than that you might get lucky and have to do less modules.

ndool · 28-07-2011 4:32pm

thanks rainbowtrout, i was thinking along the same lines.

Lehla · 11-08-2011 10:54am

Rainbowtrout thanks for your great post. I have been thinking of doing the PGDE with Hibernia in 2012, my subjects are Economics and CSPE based on my BA degree, not great I know.

So I was thinking of adding on another subject and I came across your post. Do you know if it is possible to start taking the modules before completing the PGDE or would I have to wait and complete the PGDE and register with the teaching council before I start taking the OU modules?

rainbowtrout · 11-08-2011 11:25am

Lehla wrote: »

Rainbowtrout thanks for your great post. I have been thinking of doing the PGDE with Hibernia in 2012, my subjects are Economics and CSPE based on my BA degree, not great I know.

So I was thinking of adding on another subject and I came across your post. Do you know if it is possible to start taking the modules before completing the PGDE or would I have to wait and complete the PGDE and register with the teaching council before I start taking the OU modules?

There's no reason why you can't start taking the modules now. I reckon it's just a case that the TC won't register you for Maths until you've already registered as a qualified teacher with a full degree in something else as the modules are just an add on. I think the first modules start in October if you are going to start it this year

doc_17 · 11-08-2011 11:49am

Just to echo the above post...You can do your Dip and get qualified in Economics. Then when you get quaified in Maths they just add that to the list of subjects you are qualified to teach. The only thing is that you won't be able to apply for maths jobs until you have the recognition

Lehla · 11-08-2011 11:53am

That's great thanks for all the info.

Just out of interest how many subjects can you register with the teaching council for?

doc_17 · 11-08-2011 12:05pm

as many as you are qualified to teach.

Yoming · 12-08-2011 9:05pm

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a problem I have. I qualified as a physics/chemistry teacher and I am now wanting to complete modules with the Open University to teach Maths. The Open University have been extremely helpful and have suggested the three modules mentioned above, they also suggested I check what ECTS credits I have from my previous maths modules to see if I am exempt from any of them. I found out today that I have 24 credits.

A quick google search suggested to me that the teaching council require 54 credits(I could be picking this up wrong so feel free to correct me)to teach maths. So Im now thinking that I only need to complete one of these modules, M208-30 credits, to satisfy the requirements of the TC.
Can anyone advise me does it work this way or does it also depend on the content of the modules?
btw my Open University contact is away for a few weeks so I cant ask him and also I emailed the TC twice and got sent a link to a list of four year degree courses both times.
Thanks

whiteandlight · 12-08-2011 9:21pm

So been reading through this tread with interest. I am a qualified maths teacher and registered already but I'm wondering how this applies to other subjects. Correct me if I'm wrong but in addition to a degree, in any subject (this what I'm not sure of...) you do these three modules and you can add maths to you tc registration even if you did no maths at all in college?
The reason I ask is that obviously in the current climate, the more subjects the better so could this be done for any subject on the curriculum?? I have first year mathematical physics, must look into getting applied maths modules to get my qualification

rainbowtrout · 12-08-2011 9:34pm

Yoming wrote: »

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a problem I have. I qualified as a physics/chemistry teacher and I am now wanting to complete modules with the Open University to teach Maths. The Open University have been extremely helpful and have suggested the three modules mentioned above, they also suggested I check what ECTS credits I have from my previous maths modules to see if I am exempt from any of them. I found out today that I have 24 credits.

A quick google search suggested to me that the teaching council require 54 credits(I could be picking this up wrong so feel free to correct me)to teach maths. So Im now thinking that I only need to complete one of these modules, M208-30 credits, to satisfy the requirements of the TC.
Can anyone advise me does it work this way or does it also depend on the content of the modules?
btw my Open University contact is away for a few weeks so I cant ask him and also I emailed the TC twice and got sent a link to a list of four year degree courses both times.
Thanks

Not exactly. As far as I'm aware the way credits work in Ireland is that 180 constitutes a full degree. So 54 is 30% which is the TC requirement for a subject.

Open University degrees (honours) are 360 credits ( I assume the UK works on a different credit system) so 108 credits of OU Maths modules would be necessary to qualify in Maths. As OU don't do their modules in these denominations you need 120 credits of OU modules. Also the OU will exempt you from modules if you have completed similar modules in a previous degree, however I think TC want previous maths modules and these three.

The three modules that have been given by the green light by the TC are:

MST121 : 30 credits
MS221: 30 credits
M208: 60 credits

If you are looking to qualify in maths go by what the TC tell you to do, not OU, becaue ultimately it's the TC that are ratifying your ability to teach maths based on what you have done.

Module content does matter (ask anyone with an engineering degree trying to get recognition to teach maths or physics) , but these three modules satisfy the requirements of the Teaching Council.

It may be the case that you have extra maths modules in your degree in second or third year and this may mean that you don't have to do all three modules. When I contacted them I rang and asked to be put through to Post Primary. Don't ask them questions or you'll probably be fobbed off. Tell them whatever maths modules you have and ask what you need to do.

If you only have first year maths you'll probably have to do all three. If you have the UL degree (same as mine) in Phys/Chem teaching you'll need to do all three.

Musicmental85 wrote: »

So been reading through this tread with interest. I am a qualified maths teacher and registered already but I'm wondering how this applies to other subjects. Correct me if I'm wrong but in addition to a degree, in any subject (this what I'm not sure of...) you do these three modules and you can add maths to you tc registration even if you did no maths at all in college?
The reason I ask is that obviously in the current climate, the more subjects the better so could this be done for any subject on the curriculum?? I have first year mathematical physics, must look into getting applied maths modules to get my qualification

From my understanding of it, yes and no. There have been numerous threads in the past where people have said they've contacted the TC saying they are qualified in History and French (for example) but did English in first year and what would they need to qualify in English and TC will tell them what needs to be done, but won't guarantee that what they do will be accepted until they have the modules completed, which is a bit crap.

Maths is just the first one where they have gone on record and listed specific modules people can complete for recognition as a maths teacher. I think you have to have done first year maths in college as well as doing the three modules to be qualified in maths. I had it done, so it wasn't a problem for me.

I think (and don't quote me on this) that if say your original degree has no maths in it that you'd have to do more than the three modules.

Maybe it's just that what is taught in maths in college is a bit more standardised than other subjects. I assume other subject areas are taken on a case by case basis because the content of a degree can vary considerably. E.g. A Geography degree can consist of Physical Geography and Human Geography but you mightn't qualify as a Geography teacher if you don't have the right combination of both and you may not have chosen the right ones for teaching when picking electives. It's possibly more difficult in science subjects as lab work would be a requirement of most science subjects so you would probably have to attend a college to complete such modules.

doc_17 · 13-08-2011 8:58am

Yoming wrote: »

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a problem I have. I qualified as a physics/chemistry teacher and I am now wanting to complete modules with the Open University to teach Maths. The Open University have been extremely helpful and have suggested the three modules mentioned above, they also suggested I check what ECTS credits I have from my previous maths modules to see if I am exempt from any of them. I found out today that I have 24 credits.

A quick google search suggested to me that the teaching council require 54 credits(I could be picking this up wrong so feel free to correct me)to teach maths. So Im now thinking that I only need to complete one of these modules, M208-30 credits, to satisfy the requirements of the TC.
Can anyone advise me does it work this way or does it also depend on the content of the modules?
btw my Open University contact is away for a few weeks so I cant ask him and also I emailed the TC twice and got sent a link to a list of four year degree courses both times.
Thanks

Ignore what the OU tell you and pay attention to the teaching council as they will ultimately have the power. Do what they tell you to do.

Lehla · 13-08-2011 6:03pm

Just to let you know I contacted the TC about this as I don't have 1st year maths in my BA degree and they told me I would have to complete 4 modules to be recognised. The 3 already mentioned and one from the OU level 3 subjects.

You would need to study Mathematics to degree level in order to be registered for the subject. You can approach any provider and undertake studies which that provider will certify as being to degree standard. That means the course of study must be no less than 54 ECTs and cover the core areas of – Analysis, Algebra, Geometry, Probability & Statistics.

The Open University will be prepared to provide this certification for Level 8 degree holders completing four modules MST121, MS221, M208 followed by a Level 8 (OU Level 3) module drawn from the following list

Module Title Code ECTs Area of Maths
Applications of probability M343 15 Statistics
Linear statistical Modelling M346 15 Statistics
Mathematical Statistics M347 15 Statistics
Mathematical methods and fluid
mechanics MST326 15 Applied maths
Groups and geometry M336 15 Pure Maths
Complex Analysis M337 15 Pure/Applied Maths
Number Theory and Mathematical
Logic M381 15 Pure maths
Optimization M373 15 Applied Maths
Graphs networks and design MT365 15 Discrete maths

Lehla · 19-08-2011 1:07pm

Interesting article regarding maths teachers

http://www.independent.ie/education/latest-news/maths-crisis-just-donrsquot-ask-minister-quinn-for-answers-2852829.html

boogle · 24-08-2011 8:06pm

Hi rainbowtrout. I'm really considering this. The first two modules look doable. Was the third 60 credit module very difficult? I'm a bit nervous about getting that far with it and finding it really time-consuming and demanding.

rainbowtrout · 24-08-2011 8:15pm

boogle wrote: »

Hi rainbowtrout. I'm really considering this. The first two modules look doable. Was the third 60 credit module very difficult? I'm a bit nervous about getting that far with it and finding it really time-consuming and demanding.

No, it's certainly a step up from the other two and the fact that it's 60 credits instead of 30 means there's more work in it. More assignments. Coursework is laid out in booklets with exercises etc. In 30 credit modules you are given a calendar with each module and are expected to cover one booklet every fortnight. In the 60 credit module, it's more like one per week from what I remember. However I did find the material interesting. There is a book of formulas etc with each module that you are allowed take into the exam, like having the log tables here. They are far more detailed though, and initially I did think, this is too easy sure i have half the course in the book, but like a lot of open book exams you either know the stuff or you don't and you are under pressure to get the exam done so you can't spend half the day flicking through the book of formulas and reading stuff to see if it's one you are looking for. Bizarrely enough you are allowed to annotate the book of formulas (which everyone does) so you can write notes to yourself explaining how a formula works, or what it's used for or even write out a sample question in the margin.

I actually did MS221 and M208 at the same time. In hindsight I should have probably done them separately but you live and learn. There are also plenty of past exam papers you can buy from the OU shop to practice with and I think they send you a sample paper with your course materials. Papers don't vary wildly in their layout, similar to the way leaving cert papers have set topics on them each year. So you can practice topics and choose to do certain questions etc. While I think it's changing for some modules, at the moment M208, the 60 credit module runs from Feb - Oct. Realisitically you'll be finished it in September with a few weeks for revision, but over the course of the module you will have Feb midterm, Easter two weeks and summer. So you should have plenty of time to do the module or catch up on weeks where you might fall behind because other things in your life are getting in the way.

doc_17 · 24-08-2011 8:58pm

boogle wrote: »

Hi rainbowtrout. I'm really considering this. The first two modules look doable. Was the third 60 credit module very difficult? I'm a bit nervous about getting that far with it and finding it really time-consuming and demanding.

I suppose it also depends on the amount of work you are prepared to put into and your grounding in Maths. I didn't have to do the two 30 point modules and only did the 60 point module so I can't compare their difficulty level as well as rainbowtrout. M208 would be sticky enough if Maths wasn't your thing. it's vital to keep up to date with it.

It's one 40-50 page booklet a week to cover so it'll keep you on your toes if you do it

doc_17 · 24-08-2011 9:03pm

Just to point out as well that this course runs for the last time in 2016 - a bit away yes but don't be putting off til tomorrow what you can do today

boogle · 24-08-2011 10:13pm

Thanks for the advice, I'm gonna take the plunge I think. I did Maths in first year of college (although it was "Maths Methods" so will have to check with TC about that) and a Statistics module in Third Year so I reckon I can handle it

rainbowtrout · 24-08-2011 10:22pm

doc_17 wrote: »

I suppose it also depends on the amount of work you are prepared to put into and your grounding in Maths. I didn't have to do the two 30 point modules and only did the 60 point module so I can't compare their difficulty level as well as rainbowtrout. M208 would be sticky enough if Maths wasn't your thing. it's vital to keep up to date with it.

It's one 40-50 page booklet a week to cover so it'll keep you on your toes if you do it

Totally agree. I like maths and would quite happily work away on maths problems for hours on end. Not a big fan of learning proofs etc. So if you do have a few modules done, even if they're not in the same area it all helps.

Lehla · 25-08-2011 9:53am

Rainbowtrout and Doc 17 just wondering did you attend any tutorials or was everything done online?

For anyone interested in gaining a Maths qualification

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