PME-NA

Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Errors and Misconceptions in Algebra

• In Event: Examing and Understanding Teacher Knowledge

Description

This study investigated the errors and misconceptions in Algebra among pre-service mathematics teachers (PSMTs). The primary objective was to uncover the nature and origin of these errors. We used an explanatory sequential mixed method design. The Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) was used to collect quantitative data while interviews were conducted to obtain the qualitative data used for the study. We found that PSMTs committed errors in word problems, proving general statements, and addition; as well as misconceptions in equations and Algebraic expression but the highest committed errors were errors in word problems and errors in proving general statements. The study concluded that the cause of the errors that PSMTs made was due to their inability to interpret and inadequate attention to the details of the questions. We made recommendations for practice and future research.

Authors

• Christopher Yarkwah, University of Cape Coast

• Christian Kwame Kpotosu, Pennsylvania State University