Identifying Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning in Initial Teacher Education

• In Event: 49.088 - Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: 49.088-1 - Grooming Preservice Teachers in Noticing Mathematical Thinking and Reasoning

Abstract

Mathematical understanding is fundamental to effective participation in society. Initial teacher education (ITE) has a vital role to produce teachers who can support diverse learners to develop mathematical understandings. Findings from twelve lecturer interviews from a study that is aiming to enhance student teacher mathematical thinking and reasoning through embedding mathematics ideas in all courses in an ITE program and providing a dedicated mentor and website are discussed. In the study mathematical thinking is conceptualized as involving mathematics for curriculum learning, for data literacy and for administration and includes competence, confidence and critical awareness dimensions. Although initially skeptical their courses included mathematics ideas, all 12 lecturers went on to describe aspects of mathematical thinking that underpinned ideas in their course.

Authors

• Beverley Cooper, University of Waikato

• Bronwen Cowie, University of Waikato