MIŠLjENjE STUDENATA – BUDUĆIH UČITELjA O RAZVOJU MATEMATIČKE PISMENOSTI U PRVOM CIKLUSU OBRAZOVANjA

Abstract

Although many studies investigate mathematical literacy, there is no consensus on the meaning of the term. The aim of this study is to investigate the concept of mathematical literacy of future teachers. The data are collected by semi-structured interview with thirteen Teacher Education Faculty students. The concept of mathematical literacy can be placed in four categories: 1) the knowledge and ability to communicate in mathematical language; 2) the conceptual understanding of concepts, contents and procedures; 3) the application of mathematics in everyday life; 4) the use of mathematical-logical thinking and problem solving. All interviewed students highlighted the students’ ability to formulate, represent and solve mathematical problems as well as the precise and correct use of symbolical mathematical language as a very important competence for mathematical literacy, while almost half of the interviewed excluded the students’ ability to see mathematics as a useful subject as an important competence. The teachers’ beliefs and knowledge significantly impact students’ development of mathematical literacy. Hence it is important to provide the conditions in which the teachers will be able to understand the concept and develop a richer conception of mathematical literacy.