A Mathematics Curriculum That Supports Preservice Elementary Teachers' Content Knowledge for Teaching Mathematics

• In Event: Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Strategies to Support Preservice Teachers in Developing Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching

Abstract

Research on mathematics teacher preparation supports shifting the focus of content courses for prospective elementary teachers (PTs) towards elementary grade level mathematics. This paper describes a mathematics curriculum designed for use in PT content courses and examines its effects on PTs’ content knowledge for teaching mathematics (CKTM). Forty-six (46) instructors at institutions across the U.S. and Canada field tested materials with 1,494 PTs. Assessment data indicate that the curriculum was significantly and largely effective in increasing PTs CKTM. Additional analyses (forthcoming) will investigate the potential impact of course type (content vs. methods) and instructor appointment (math vs. education) on PTs’ CKTM growth when using the curriculum.

Authors

• Alejandra Salinas, Boston University

• Ziv Feldman, Boston University

• Laura Marie Kyser Callis, Boston University

• Suzanne Chapin, Boston University