Early Childhood Education focusing on Mathematics and Technology
Photo: Mostphotos/dgr.
In the course mathematics is understood as language and is studied using an exploratory approach, practical-aesthetic expression, play and dance. The course content is discussed in relation to different learning theories and knowledge traditions in relation to mathematics and technology, as well as the task of the preschool teacher and the objectives of the curriculum:
- the importance of play for children’s use of mathematics
- how children create meaning from the study of signs and symbols
- various practical-aesthetic approaches that stimulate mathematics and technology
- how to stimulate and challenge children's interest in mathematics and technology
- listening and communication as didactic tools
The course is offered for international exchange students, students from the Program in Early Childhood Education as well as students who have applied for the course as a free standing (single subject) course.
Modules
Course module Early Childhood Education perspective on Mathematics and Technology, 8 credits
The module gives an introduction to mathematics and technology in preschool from a Early Childhood Education perspective, it covers:
- mathematics and technology in pre-school education — teaching and learning,
- an exploratory approach in relation to mathematics and technology,
- practical-aesthetic learning processes and play in relation to Early Childhood Education focusing on mathematics and technology,
- learning theories and knowledge traditions in relation to mathematics, technology and norms in society.
Course module Early Mathematics and Aesthetic Expressions, 4 credits
From a subject didactic perspective, the module provides an introduction to mathematics in preschool, it deals with:
- early mathematical concepts and activities,
- the mathematical areas: space, shape, position, direction, quantity, number, order, number concepts, measurement, time and change,
- how children's play, exploration of signs, symbols and other expressions as well as aesthetic expressions are important for mathematical learning,
- practical-aesthetic learning processes and play in relation to mathematics in preschool.
Teaching Format
Instruction is given in the form of lectures, seminars, workshops/laboratory work, individual assignments and group assignments, as well as via the university’s virtual learning environment Athena.
Attendance at specified teaching sessions is mandatory. Absence must be compensated for as described in the course description.
The language of instruction is English.
Study Guide
The Study Guide for the course will be published at the latest one month prior to the course start.
Study Guide Autumn semester 2025 (to be published at the latest one month prior to the course start).
Study Guide Spring semester 2026 (to be published at the latest one month prior to the course start).
Assessment
Forms of examination
Course module Early Childhood Education perspective on Mathematics and Technology, 8 credits is examined on the basis of:
- Individual written paper, G = Pass U= Fail
- Individual written paper, grading A-F
Course module Early Mathematics and Aesthetic Expressions, 4 credits is examined on the basis of:
- Oral and Individual written paper, grading G = Pass U= Fail
In order to pass the course, students must receive at least grade E or G on all examinations, complete all assignments as per the course description and fulfil all obligatory attendance requirements.
For more information about the examinations please see the study guide for the relevant semester.
Next opportunity for re-examination
Please see information in the study guide
Examiner
Schedule autumn semester 2025 (To be published at the latest one month prior to the course start).
- Schedule UB314F Autumn semester 2025 Day-time 100%
- Schedule UB314F Autumn semester 2025 Day-time 100%
- Schedule UB314F Spring semester 2026 Day-time 100%
- Schedule UB314F Spring semester 2026 Day-time 100%
- Schedule UB314F Autumn semester 2026 Day-time 100%
- Schedule UB314F Autumn semester 2026 Day-time 100%
The course literature will be published at the latest two months prior to the course start.
Please note that it is possible to combine this course with our other early childhood education courses with English as the language of instruction in order to study a full semester.
Autumn semester 2025
UB308F Early Childhood Education: Explorative Learning, 6 credits (ECTS)
UB314F Early Childhood Education Focusing on Mathematics and Technology, 12 credits (ECTS)
Spring semester 2026
UB316F Participation and influence in children´s exploratory activities, 3 credits (ECTS)
UB317F Exploratory approaches in Swedish preschool: history, theory and practice, 3 credits (ECTS)
UB314F Early Childhood Education Focusing on Mathematics and Technology, 12 credits (ECTS)
Combine courses to study half a semester: 15 ECTS
You can also combine this course with the course UB317F Exploratory approaches in Swedish preschool: history, theory and practice 3 credits if you would like to study 15 credits in the second half of the semester period 2 (period C + D).
UB317F Exploratory approaches in Swedish preschool: history, theory and practice, 3 credits (ECTS)
UB314F Early Childhood Education Focusing on Mathematics and Technology, 12 credits (ECTS)
How to apply
Application - a Step by Step Guide
It is important that you docucment your eligibility and language proficiency in your application. You can find more information at universityadmissions.se:
Documenting English proficiency
Exchange students
Please note that:
Exchange students apply according to a separate routine.
Anmälan till kursen för dig som läser Förskollärarprogrammet (LFÖRY)
Studenter inom Förskollärarprogrammet som vill läsa den engelska terminen anmäler sig till kursen/kurserna via institutionen. Ett informationsmöte om detta hålls under termin två i anslutning till föreläsning.
More information about studying at Stockholm University
New student at Stockholm University
Directions and Maps
Please note that the lectures/seminars will take place at several different areas of the Stockholm University campus. Please take the time to check directions before the lectures.
In most cases you have lectures at the Department of Child and Youth Studies.
See directions to the Department of Child and Youth Studies.
You will also have a few lectures at the Department of Teaching and Learning.
See directions to the Department of Teaching and Learning
One seminar will take place in the building called “Stallet” located at Svante Arrhenius väg 19F (Google Maps).
One seminar (Makerspace) will take place outside of Stockholm University campus. Kvasar Makespace is Starrbäcksgatan 1, third floor in Sundbyberg. (Google maps).
If you have questions regarding the content of the course please contact the teacher responsible for the course.
Course manager: Anna Günther-Hanssen, e-mail:anna.gunther.hanssen@buv.su.se
If you have administrative questions regarding admissions, registration, registration of grades etc. please contact the course administrator.
Course administrator: Malin Håkansson, e-mail: malin.hakansson@buv.su.se
