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Science and Mathematics Education Commons

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Full-Text Articles in Science and Mathematics Education

Departmentalization For Mathematics: Is It Beneficial For Teachers, Students, And Teacher Candidates?, Melinda S. Eichhorn, Courtney Lacson Jun 2019

Departmentalization For Mathematics: Is It Beneficial For Teachers, Students, And Teacher Candidates?, Melinda S. Eichhorn, Courtney Lacson

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Studies have shown that both the departmentalized and self-contained models of instruction can help students achieve strong mathematics scores on standardized tests, and school administrators must consider their teachers and students when deciding on an instructional model. However, little research has considered the effect of the instructional model on initial license teacher candidates and school–university partnerships. Drawing from a Massachusetts college’s experience with practicum placements for elementary candidates pursing a generalist license (Grades 1–6), implications for teacher preparation programs are explored as more upper elementary classrooms move to a departmentalized model for mathematics.


The Influence Of A Reform-Based Mathematics Methods Course On Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs, Brian R. Evans, Jacqueline Leonard, Kathleen Krier, Steve Ryan Jun 2013

The Influence Of A Reform-Based Mathematics Methods Course On Preservice Teachers’ Beliefs, Brian R. Evans, Jacqueline Leonard, Kathleen Krier, Steve Ryan

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

Beliefs about teaching mathematics and urban students’ ability to learn mathematics are often overlooked in the discourse on highly qualified teachers. Altering teacher experiences has the potential to change their beliefs. It was found in this qualitative case study that preservice teachers’ beliefs about teaching mathematics to urban students were changed after teachers taught brief sample lessons to their peers and watched video episodes of quality teaching. These findings suggest preservice teacher beliefs can be positively changed after taking reform-based mathematics methods courses. Additional studies are needed to determine if these changes can be sustained during teacher induction.