ERIC Number: EJ1146686
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jun
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1307-9298
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Available Date: N/A
Learning to Be a Math Teacher: What Knowledge Is Essential?
Reid, Mary; Reid, Steven
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, v9 n4 p851-872 Jun 2017
This study critically examined the math content knowledge (MCK) of teacher candidates (TCs) enrolled in a two-year Master of Teaching (MT) degree. Teachers require a solid math knowledge base in order to support students' achievement. Provincial and international math assessments have been of major concern in Ontario, Canada, due to declining scores. Research aimed to investigate the development of TCs' math capacities for effective teaching is important to teachers, school districts, universities, professional learning associations, and policy makers. The researchers of this study analyzed the basic numeracy skills of 151 TCs through pre- and post-tests. In addition, eight TCs took part in semi-structured interviews and shared their experiences in the MT math program. Test results indicated improvements in many areas, however, not all numeracy skills improved significantly. Interviews revealed TCs' perceptions of the math test, courses, and instructors, as well as the importance of teaching math during their practicum placements. The researchers made recommendations to teacher education programs in areas such as: establishing minimum math competency standards, enhancing coherence between MT math courses and practicum placements, and providing additional support for TCs with low math proficiency.
Descriptors: Mathematics Teachers, Mathematics Instruction, Preservice Teachers, Elementary School Mathematics, Elementary School Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Foreign Countries, Semi Structured Interviews, Knowledge Base for Teaching, Mixed Methods Research, Pretests Posttests
International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education. T&K Akademic Rosendalsvein 45, Oslo 1166, Norway. e-mail: iejee@iejee.com; Web site: http://www.iejee.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
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Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
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Author Affiliations: N/A