Determination and comparison of the competency levels of in-service and pre-service mathematics teachers

Abstract

This study mainly aims to determine and compare the teacher competency levels of in-service and pre-service mathematics teachers. It also aims to help eliminating possible problems about training of pre-service and in-service teachers. This research is a descriptive study carried out with 105 in-service mathematics teachers with various professional experience levels and 115 pre-service mathematics teachers. “The Mathematics Teachers’ Competencies Scale (MTCS)” was used to collect data. The results demonstrate that the pre-service teachers had higher levels than the in-service teachers both in general and in sub-headings of the scale. Nevertheless, qualification levels of both groups were lower than expected.