Preservice Teachers' Understandings Related to Language in the Mathematics Classroom

Mathematics reforms are highlighting the important role that language plays in mathematics education. However, there remains a common misconception that mathematics is somehow language-free. This qualitative study explored 67 elementary preservice teachers’ developing understandings about the role o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Amanda T Sugimoto
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Portland State University 2018-01-01
Series:Northwest Journal of Teacher Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/26660
Description
Summary:Mathematics reforms are highlighting the important role that language plays in mathematics education. However, there remains a common misconception that mathematics is somehow language-free. This qualitative study explored 67 elementary preservice teachers’ developing understandings about the role of language in the mathematics classroom based on their practicum experiences. Iterative, open-coding techniques were used to analyze mentor teacher advice and preservice teachers’ observations of mentor teachers teaching a mathematics lesson. The tool helped focus preservice teachers’ attention on language in the mathematics classrooms. Implications are identified for mentor and preservice teachers’ knowledge and skill development toward linguistically responsive teaching practices.
ISSN:2638-4035