Preservice Teachers’ Critical Connections to Effective Mathematical Teaching Practices: An Instructional Approach Using Vignettes

Abstract

ABSTRACTPreservice teachers (PSTs) must be able to link content, effective teaching practices, and student learning; thus, it is critical for teacher educators to emphasize connections between research and practice in methods courses. Reflection plays an important role in this process. In this article, the authors discuss and illustrate a vignette activity sequence used in a secondary mathematics methods course focused on the Common Core State Standards Mathematical Practices and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Mathematical Teaching Practices. This activity sequence includes a mathematical task with authentic student work, a targeted vignette, and a reflection exercise connected to the PSTs’ ongoing fieldwork. The authors include a guide to implementing the activity sequence with an accompanying example used in a methods course. In addition, implications for research and practice are discussed including utilization in other content areas.