Preservice-Teacher Interviews: A Tool for Motivating Mathematics Learning

Author:
Eva Thanheiser Portland State University

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Randolph A. Philipp San Diego State University

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Jodi Fasteen Portland State University

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Krista Strand Portland State University

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Briana Mills Portland State University

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Volume/Issue:
Volume 1: Issue 2
Page(s):
137–147
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5951/mathteaceduc.1.2.0137
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Subjects:
Math Topic, Other Topic, Teaching and Learning Instruction, Research, Research Study, Professional Development / Teacher Training
Keywords:
Motivation; Interviews; Content knowledge; Metacognition

Helping prospective elementary school teachers (PSTs) recognize that they have something useful to learn from university mathematics courses remains a constant challenge. We found that an initial content interview with PSTs often led to the PSTs' changing their beliefs about mathematics and about their understanding of mathematics, leading to the recognition that (a) there is something to learn beyond procedures, (b) their own knowledge is limited and they need to know more to be able to teach, and (c) engaging in the mathematical activities in their content courses will lead them to learning important content. Thus, such an interview can set PSTs on a trajectory characterized by greater motivation to learn in their content courses.

Contributor Notes

Eva Thanheiser, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751;evat@pdx.edu

Randolph A. Philipp, CRMSE, 6475 Alvarado Road, Suite 206, San Diego, CA 92120; rphilipp@mail.sdsu.edu

Jodi Fasteen, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751; jfasteen@pdx.edu

Krista Strand, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751; kheim@pdx.edu

Briana Mills, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751; millsbl@pdx.edu

(Corresponding author is Thanheiser evat@pdx.edu)
(Corresponding author is Philipp rphilipp@mail.sdsu.edu)
(Corresponding author is Fasteen jfasteen@pdx.edu)
(Corresponding author is Strand kheim@pdx.edu)
(Corresponding author is Mills millsbl@pdx.edu)

1 Acknowledgement: The analysis of this study was supported in part by a Portland State University Faculty Enhancement Grant.

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Mathematics Teacher Educator
Cover Mathematics Teacher Educator
Copyright:
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Inc. All rights reserved. 2013
Page Count:
11
Article Category:
Research Article
Print Publication Date:
01 Mar 2013
Online Publication Date:
Mar 2013
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