The Mathematical Education of Elementary Teachers: Courses, Textbooks, and Opportunities to Learn
Critical Issues in Education: Teaching Teachers Mathematics
May 31, 2007 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Speakers:
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Abstract: |
The Mathematical Education of Elementary Teachers (MEET) project is an NSF funded study of
undergraduate mathematics classes for prospective elementary teachers in two states – Michigan and South
Carolina – and in New York City. MEET researchers are investigating undergraduate mathematics classes
required for elementary certification. We have collected data from mathematics departments at 57 institutions
and piloted and administered over 2000 assessment forms to students at 13 schools in 58 sections of
mathematics classes of 43 instructors. We have also analyzed all the published textbooks written specifically
for such classes. Our data include information about who teaches the classes, what topics are covered, and
what students learn.
McCrory, who is the Principal Investigator on the project, will discuss initial findings from the project.
Analyses suggest that these classes are little influenced by policy or certification testing, but may be strongly
influenced by the textbook used. Most instructors in the initial sample are not familiar with key policy
documents such as the CBMS publication Mathematical Education of Teachers. They rely on their textbook and also
frequently use the NCTM 2000 standards as a resource for teaching.
Data about the number of courses required suggests that most undergraduate certification programs in these
states now require 2 or 3 mathematics classes – the mean in this sample is 2.3. For middle school certification,
these schools now require an average of 6.9 classes.
Other results address student (prospective teacher) learning, characteristics of students and instructors,
topical emphasis in the classes, and instructor use of resources. McCrory will also discuss the conceptions of
teachers mathematical knowledge reflected in current textbooks available for these classes. |
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