The Mathematics Content Knowledge Role in Developing Preservice Teachers' Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Abstract

This paper outlines the nexus between mathematics content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge in developing pedagogical content knowledge. Increasing expectations about what students should know and be able to do, breakthroughs in research on how children learn, and the increasing diversity of the student population have put significant pressure on the knowledge and skills teachers must have to meet education goals for the 21st century. Specifically, in undergraduate mathematics education, how pedagogical awareness is taught should relate to deeper and broader understandings of mathematical concepts for preservice teachers. The participants (n = 193) were enrolled in their senior integrated methods block in the semester prior to beginning their student teaching. Among the data analyzed were previous mathematics course performance, a pre- and post-assessment instrument, success on the state level teacher certification examination, and portfolios and journals. The results indicated that previous mathematics ability and posttest performance were valuable predictors to student success on all portions of the state-mandated teacher certification exam, ExCET. The qualitative data indicated that mathematically competent preservice teachers exhibited progressively more pedagogical content knowledge as they were exposed to mathematics pedagogy during their mathematics methods course.