• NATIONAL STEM LEARNING CENTRE

Maths Subject Knowledge: Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

Improve your mathematics understanding and learn methods for teaching fractions as a non-specialist maths teacher.

13,198 enrolled on this course

Course image: fractions
The CPD Certification Service

This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.

Make learning fractions, decimals and percentages easier for your students

Often, when teachers are asked which maths topic they find the most difficult to teach and for their students to learn, teachers say fractions.

On this course, you will explore why they find fractions difficult and consider new approaches and methodologies for teaching them that are easier to grasp for your students.

You will learn how to avoid teaching the subject in isolation as you approach fractions, decimals and percentages as three interconnected topics. This will help to give your students context and give them a deeper understanding of the maths structure behind fractions.

What topics will you cover?

  • What is a fraction? The importance of considering the ‘whole’
  • Multiplying fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Adding and subtracting fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Dividing with fractions and decimals
  • Problem solving with percentages
  • Application of fractions, decimals and percentages across the wider curriculum

Who is this accredited by?

The CPD Certification Service
The CPD Certification Service:

The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify why students find the concept of fractions demanding.
  • Develop strategies to enable students to demonstrate their understanding, and use, of fractions.
  • Explore the links between fractions, decimals and percentages and become fluent in their application in differing contexts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the mathematical structure and not just teach the ‘tricks’.
  • Solve mathematical problems in context.

Who is the course for?

This course is specifically designed for secondary school teachers and educators who are not specialised in maths, but who are wanting to learn mathematical methods and improve their understanding of the subject.

It’s particularly suitable for new teachers and those studying teaching as a profession. Primary school teachers may find this course useful to understand how the mathematics curriculum progresses further in secondary school.

Who will you learn with?

Mathematics Subject Specialist at the National STEM Learning Centre, York.

I have taught mathematics for over 30 years, as a head of department, an advanced skills teacher and as maths lead at STEM Learning. I am the level 3 lead for the Yorkshire Ridings maths hub.

Secondary maths teacher.

Who developed the course?

National STEM Learning Centre

The National STEM Learning Centre provides world-class professional development activities and resources to support the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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