Developing a Constructive Conceptual Framework of a Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Content Knowledge Instrument on Space and Shape

Space and shape is one of the geometry topics that should be mastered by students and require proper teachers’ Mathematics Content Knowledge (MCK) for teaching to avoid misconception. This study aimed at developing a constructive conceptual framework as an instrument to examine mathematics pre-service teachers’ MCK on space and shape contents and describing their profile on this topic. The present study used mixed methods, in which the obtained data were analyzed both quantitatively using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and qualitatively described in nature. The developed MCK instrument was administered to 21 senior Indonesian mathematics pre-service teachers who were in their third year of study which and by a purposive sampling technique. The results showed that the instrument had very good 10 final items with a consistent reliability coefficient of 0.67 and resulted in four factor components, namely, figural representation, area and circumference of object, relationship between properties of objects, and figural reasoning. Of the four factors, figural representation and reasoning factors had mostly been the challenges for Indonesian mathematics pre-service teachers. On the contrary, they performed better in the area and circumference of objects and the relationships between properties of objects. The findings lead to redesigning the curriculum for mathematics pre-service teachers’ learning to accommodate all their challenges.

Eine Rekonstruktion des Beweises von Theodoros

We present ProfiWerk, a professionalization course geared towards pre-service Gymnasium teachers in mathematics, which is part of the preparation for an extended school-internship phase. Since the transition from university education to school practice can come with adverse discontinuity effects – rendering, at worst, university education ineffective – special focus is put on establishing stable connections between both mathematics content knowledge and mathematics education knowledge to the professional demands on mathematics teachers.

Predictive Validity of Entry Level Mathematical on Mathematical Knowledge of Pre-service Teachers for Teaching Basic School mathematics in Ghana

Introduction: Knowledge about teaching mathematics remains a contentious issue in the preparation of pre-service teachers in Ghana. This study explored relationships among entry-level mathematical knowledge (ELMK), mathematics content knowledge (MCK) and mathematics pedagogical content knowledge (MPCK) scores of pre-service teachers in colleges of education (CoEs) in Ghana. Methods: The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for this study. A total of 998 pre-service teachers from ten (10) public colleges of education were sampled via multi-stage sampling technique. Structured questionnaire and unstructured observation schedule were used for the survey. College mathematics test results were used as secondary data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency count, percentage) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation, paired-samples t-test and regression analysis) with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 22. Results: The majority of pre-service teachers in Ghanaian colleges of education had average but relatively weak grades in ELMCK. ELMCK did not significantly predict pre-service teachers’ MCK statistically (p ≥ 0.05) although a statistically significant positive correlation existed between the variables. Although a negative correlation existed between ELMCK and PMCK, ELMCK significantly predicted pre-service teachers’ PMCK statistically (p ≤ 0.05) but the effect size was statistically negligible. Conclusions: This study concluded that, CoEs in Ghana admit pre-service teachers with average but weak grades in ELMK. Therefore, Ghanaian CoEs should structure and introduce PMCK alongside MCK for pre-service teachers. Mathematics tutors in CoEs should organize remedial lessons for pre-service teachers to scale-up their MCK and PMCK that adequately equip them with MKT. Keywords: Entry-level mathematical knowledge (ELMK), mathematics content knowledge (MCK), mathematics pedagogical content knowledge (MPCK), mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT), pre-service teachers.

Employing 3D Printing to Fabricate Augmented Reality Headsets for Middle School STEM Education

This chapter examines the theories, strategies, and techniques for employing 3D printing technologies to fabricate education-appropriate augmented reality (AR) headsets and provides a concrete example of an AR headset that the authors developed. The chapter begins by discussing theories and historically relevant events that provide a context for the chapter's narrative about use of 3D printers to support AR in education. Next, the chapter presents the strategies that were employed while developing and 3D fabricating a custom-designed AR headset that was intended for supporting middle school students learning science and mathematics content knowledge. Afterward, the chapter provides directions and resources for the reader describing how to build the presented AR headset design themselves by using a 3D printer and affordable electronic components, as well as information about how to join the Maker community and participate in the designing and producing of similar projects. Lastly, the chapter delivers a summarization of all findings discussed.

University Reading and Mathematics Clinics in the Digital Age

This chapter discusses the findings of an exploration to integrate iPads in a university reading and mathematics clinic impacting three groups of learners: preservice teachers enrolled in reading and mathematics practicums, the K-8 community students served by the clinic, and the teacher educators. The TPACK model was used as a conceptual framework for teacher educators to engage and support preservice teachers in a technology rich learning environment designed to enhance their literacy and mathematics content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technology knowledge, and the complex intersections between each. The teacher educators expected their mostly digital native preservice teachers to recognize technology affordances and technology integration opportunities when provided content knowledge and pedagogical support. Although the K-8 tutees were engaged at high-levels, faculty's assumption of the digital native preservice teacher was disrupted. Teacher educators discovered that digital natives still need support in developing technological knowledge in an educational setting.

Effects of an Inquiry-Focused, Content-Intensive Program on Pre-Kindergarten-9th Grade Teachers’ Content Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Goals

This study describes the effects of an inquiry-focused, contentintensive professional development program on Pre-kindergarten-9th grade teachers’ science and mathematics knowledge, use of classroom based inquiry, improvement in their science teaching self-efficacy and other motivation constructs. This two-and-a-half-year program was designed to meet the needs of teachers in a local urban school district. The professional development in the form of a graduate program intentionally sought to emphasize science and mathematics content knowledge and inquiry teaching. Twenty experimental teacher-participants were involved in the program with twelve additional teachers as a control group. Data collection instruments used for this study included content testing, student test-scores, self-efficacy belief surveys, and behavioral scales. The results of the study indicated greater growth for program participants in the areas of science and mathematics content knowledge. The participants also showed greater increases in science teaching self-efficacy as compared to the teachers in the control group.