Rate Your Course! Student Teachers' Perceptions of a Primary Pre-Service Mathematics Education Programme

Y

28

Preservice Teacher Education; Teacher Education Programs; Elementary School Mathematics; Student Attitudes; Curriculum Development; Mathematics Curriculum; Knowledge Level; Elementary School Teachers; Foreign Countries; Program Effectiveness; Student Surveys; Qualitative Research; Mathematics Education

10.1080/00220272.2017.1284266

0022-0272

Although research suggests that many pre-service mathematics education programmes are weak interventions having a negligible effect on student teachers' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes, there is consensus that programmes that model and engage student teachers in reform teaching and learning approaches have the potential to effect positive change in attitudes and knowledge of mathematics. This paper focuses on the perceptions of 345 student teachers regarding their mathematics education programme. The authors consider that in order to further our understanding of the characteristics of an effective pre-service mathematics education programme, the opinions of participating student teachers are fundamental. Participants reported improved mathematical subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge in addition to greater confidence and decreased anxiety towards mathematics. Programme features such as small group tutorials and interactive engagement were identified as impacting this positive change.

As Provided

84

2017

EJ1161675