Around the world, students encounter persistent difficulties (both cognitive and affective) in their learning of some elementary mathematics topics (e.g. fractions, negative numbers, solving word problems, mathematical proofs). Course participants are empowered to study empirical research reports of relevant teaching experiments that aim to overcome these learning difficulties. Under guidance, they are expected to devise or revise lesson plans in the light of research findings and engage in reflective action research so as to relate theory and practice underpinning the teaching experiments.

CILO-1: Describe and identify students' difficulties in their learning of elementary mathematics topics through studies of empirical research reports. CILO-2: Devise strategies to address learning difficulties in accordance with the recommendations of the mathematics research studies. CILO-3: Design lesson plan or action research aiming at helping the struggling learners.