ERIC Number: EJ975149
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0013-1954
EISSN: N/A
History of Mathematics: Illuminating Understanding of School Mathematics Concepts for Prospective Mathematics Teachers
Clark, Kathleen Michelle
Educational Studies in Mathematics, v81 n1 p67-84 Sep 2012
The use of the history of mathematics in teaching has long been considered a tool for enriching students' mathematical learning. However, in the USA few, if any, research efforts have investigated how the study of history of mathematics contributes to a person's mathematical knowledge for teaching. In this article, I present the results of research conducted over four semesters in which I sought to characterize what prospective mathematics teachers (PMTs) understand about the topics that they will be called upon to teach in the future and how that teaching might include an historical component. In particular, I focus on how the study and application of the history of solving quadratic equations illuminates what PMTs know (or do not know) about this essential secondary school algebraic topic. Additionally, I discuss how the results signal important considerations for mathematics teacher preparation programs with regard to connecting PMTs' mathematical and pedagogical knowledge, and their ability to engage in historical perspectives to improve their own and their future students' understanding of solving quadratic equations.
Descriptors: Mathematics Education, Equations (Mathematics), Mathematics Teachers, Algebra, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Mathematics Instruction, History, Teaching Methods, Secondary School Mathematics, Learner Engagement, Problem Solving, Teacher Education, Preservice Teacher Education, Higher Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A