ERIC Number: EJ1122667
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
EISSN: N/A
Exploring the Disconnect between Mathematics Ability and Mathematics Efficacy among Preservice Agricultural Education Teachers
Hilby, Alyssa C.; Stripling, Christopher T.; Stephens, Carrie A.
Journal of Agricultural Education, v55 n5 p111-125 2014
STEM disciplines will continue to impact school-based agricultural education programs; thus, in order to produce secondary students proficient in science and mathematics, developing preservice agricultural education teachers who are competent in mathematics and teaching mathematics is essential. This study utilized data collected through a focus group of 10 preservice agricultural education teachers at the University of Tennessee in order to explore the disconnect between mathematics ability and mathematics efficacy of preservice agricultural education teachers. Five themes emerged, which help explain the disconnect between mathematics ability and mathematics efficacy: (a) review of mathematics, (b) misconceptions, (c) prior success, (d) use of guest lecturers/students, and (e) the importance of pedagogical knowledge. Based on the results of this study, we recommend the agricultural teacher education program at the University of Tennessee provide instruction on cross-referenced mathematics standards, methods of teaching contextualized mathematics, and the types of knowledge required for teaching contextualized mathematics. These efforts should better prepare preservice teachers for teaching contextualized mathematics and aid them in developing an accurate understanding of the mathematics found in the school-based curricula. Additionally, future research is warranted to determine the most effective means of providing instruction in the aforementioned areas.
Descriptors: STEM Education, Mathematics Skills, Self Efficacy, Preservice Teachers, Agricultural Education, Secondary Education, Misconceptions, Teaching Methods, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, Teacher Education Programs, Context Effect, Qualitative Research, Focus Groups
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: http://www.aaaeonline.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Tennessee
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A