ERIC Number: EJ1248262
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Mar
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-6156
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Seeking Intersections: Math Degrees, Beliefs, and Elementary Teacher Knowledge
Holm, Jennifer; Kajander, Ann
Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, v20 n1 p27-41 Mar 2020
Some views of elementary teacher preparation may include the idea that undergraduate mathematics courses are useful or even crucial for prospective teachers to have. This study sought to identify teacher candidates with mathematics degrees, in order to study their mathematical preparation. The identified prospective teachers were studied to investigate initial understanding of the conceptual underpinnings of elementary mathematics, as well as their beliefs about the importance of conceptual learning. Participants were given a written instrument related to elementary school-level conceptual mathematics knowledge, administered at the beginning and end of an elementary (up to grade 8) mathematics curriculum and instruction ("methods") course. Prospective teachers with university mathematics backgrounds did not appear generally well-prepared in terms of their ability to model or explain the conceptual basis of common elementary school concepts, although they generally claimed to feel such understanding was important. After taking part in the methods course, which focused strongly on experiences learning the mathematical ideas conceptually, they were able to demonstrate increased understanding of the necessary concepts, models, and reasoning related to elementary mathematics teaching.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Preservice Teachers, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Elementary School Mathematics, Methods Courses, Mathematics Instruction
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A