Elementary Mathematics Teachers Research Articles

The Process of Teaching and Learning from the Views of Prospective Mathematics Teachers: The Case of Algebraic Inequalities

This study explores the views of prospective mathematics teachers on the process of teaching and learning about algebraic inequalities. Phenomenology, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The participants of the study consisted of 6 prospective middle school mathematics teachers studying in the last year of the Elementary Mathematics Teacher Education Program of a university in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye in the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The obtained data were analyzed using content analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods. As a result of the analysis of the interviews with the prospective middle school mathematics teachers, three main themes were obtained. Teaching inequalities, the difficulties that students may experience in inequalities, and the methods that can be used to overcome difficulties were the main categories that emerged. Direct quotations from the prospective teachers’ views were also included in the presentation of the findings. As a result of the study, it is recommended that more practice should be included in teacher education programs to improve prospective mathematics teachers' knowledge and experience of meaningful learning and overcoming difficulties.

POSSIBILITIES OF USING PROBLEMED LEARNING IN TEACHING GEOMETRIC CONCEPTS IN PRIMARY GRADES

In this article, an idea is given about the possibilities of using problem-based learning in the formation of geometric concepts in elementary school mathematics education. Problematic education includes such categories as problem, learning problem, problem situation, problem, problem question, problem assignment. Teaching concepts like straight-line, straight-line section, broken line, length of broken line, perimeter of a triangle, perimeter of a rectangle, perimeter of a polygon, which are studied in primary grades, using problem-based learning, allows students to quickly and effectively master these concepts, as well as to be able to apply the acquired knowledge in practice gives.

Investigation of the Concept Images of Mathematics Educators and Preservice Mathematics Teachers Regarding Slope, Rate of Change, and Derivative

The aim of this study is to examine the concept images of mathematics educators and pre-service elementary mathematics teachers regarding the relationships between the concepts of slope, rate of change and derivative. Four mathematics educators working in different state universities and responsible for Analysis courses, three pre-service elementary mathematics teachers who successfully completed the Calculus 1 course at a state university, and four pre-service elementary mathematics teachers who successfully completed the Calculus 1 and Calculus 2 courses participated in the study. In order to determine the concept images of the participants about the concepts of slope, rate of change and derivative, the participants were asked semi-structured interview questions prepared by the researcher and application questions including the second stage questions. The audio recordings obtained from the interviews were transcribed and then the second stage questions were applied to the participants. The second stage questions were received in writing from the participants and analysed by the researcher through descriptive content analysis. As a result of this study, mathematics educators were able to use the concept images they had in the first stage questions in the second stage questions. On the other hand, pre-service elementary mathematics teachers were able to use the concept images they had in the first stage questions in the second stage questions.

Creating Digital Storytelling as Digital Materials in Mathematics Education

The digitalization of stories through technology-supported software has created the concept of digital stories. In recent years, researchers have been making efforts to investigate the effects of digital stories that have started to be used as digital materials in education. This study aims to evaluate the digital stories created by preservice mathematics teachers for mathematics courses, their experiences in the process of creating digital stories, and their views on the use of digital storytelling as digital materials in mathematics courses. This qualitatively designed study was conducted with the participation of 49 preservice elementary mathematics teachers and lasted 7 weeks. It was found that the digital stories created by the participating preservice teachers were moderately acceptable. Participants characterized digital storytelling as materials that are interesting, support teaching, and provide visual richness. They also stated that they intended to use digital storytelling when they begin working as teachers. However, due to the time-consuming nature of the process, most participants stated that they would use ready-made digital stories instead of creating them themselves. Additionally, the results of this study provide information about the experiences of preservice teachers regarding the process of creating digital storytelling.

Perception of the elementary mathematics teachers about assessment for learning: a case study of Sukkur IBA community colleges, Sindh, Pakistan

This study aims to explore the perceptions of elementary mathematics teachers regarding assessment for learning (AfL). The participants of this study included three elementary mathematics teachers, each with over 5 years of teaching experience at Sukkur IBA community colleges and schools in Sindh, Pakistan. These participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. A qualitative exploratory case study research approach was used, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and observations. To ensure the trustworthiness of the study, the interview guide and observation checklist were reviewed by experts. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that teachers had a limited understanding of the concept of assessment for learning. Based on these results, the study recommends several measures: the initiation of an assessment literacy program, an increase in class time, reducing the number of students per class, using moveable chairs to enhance classroom flexibility, and making amendments to the assessment policy.

“Our Voyage with Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics”

From the Archives highlights articles from NCTM’s legacy journals, previously discussed during MTLT Teacher Talk.

The Development of Non-Formal Learning Organization Skills in Preservice Math Teachers

Although the effects of out-of-school learning on students' learning have attracted significant attention among education researchers in science and social sciences, little is known about the development of pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' skills in utilizing out-of-school learning in mathematics lessons. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of activities conducted within the scope of the out-of-school learning environments in mathematics education on pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' skills in organizing non-formal learning. The study utilized a sequential explanatory design, which is a mixed-method approach. The quantitative part of the research employed a "single-group pretest-posttest design without a control group" from experimental designs. This study involved 35 third-year teacher candidates enrolled in the Primary Education in Math Program (PREDMAP) at a state university located near Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. The data collection instrument used in the study was the Out-of-School Learning Regulation Scale (OOSLRS). Additionally, teacher candidates were asked to write reflective essays about their thoughts on the program at the end of the study. The analyses revealed that prior to the program, pre-service math teachers had the highest scores in the knowledge dimension and the lowest scores in the implementation dimension of organizing out-of-school learning. Significant differences were found in the pretest scores of preservice math teachers only in the knowledge dimension based on their previous experiences in organized out-of-school learning environments during their educational lives. Significant improvements favoring the post-test application were observed across all dimensions between pretest and posttest scores. Data from reflective essays written by the preservice math teachers indicated their emphasis on active participation and included suggestions particularly in the implementation dimension.

Examination of Elementary School Mathematics Teachers’ Mathematical Modelling Attitudes in Terms of Various Variables

This study aims to examine elementary mathematics teachers' attitudes towards mathematical modelling in terms of various variables. The current study is particularly important as it is one of the few ones in our country to investigate this type of work, focusing on the attitudes of elementary mathematics teachers towards mathematical modelling across all sub-dimensions. A survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used, and the sample of the study consisted of 102 elementary mathematics teachers working at official secondary schools and official imam hatip secondary schools in Aydın province during the 2023-2024 academic year, determined through an appropriate sampling method. The Mathematical Modelling Attitude Scale was used as the data collection tool in the study. The research revealed that elementary mathematics teachers exhibit a low level of attitude towards mathematical modelling. Although their motivation sub-dimension towards mathematical modelling was high, the real-life sub-dimension was moderate, while the constructivism and understanding sub-dimensions were low. However, it was found that the sub-dimension and overall scores of the mathematical modelling attitude scale of elementary mathematics teachers did not differ according to gender, faculty of graduation, age, and professional experience, but they did differ according to level of education.

Pre-service Elementary Mathematics Teachers' Opinions on the School Experience Course Conducted through Distance Education

This study aims to examine the experiences of pre-service elementary mathematics teachers regarding the school experience course conducted through distance education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The study was conducted with 64 volunteer participants, from students who took the School Experience course in the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year at a state university, which was determined by convenience sampling among the universities in Turkey. The data was gathered using Google form at the end of the fall semester, using a data collection tool including 4 open-ended questions. These questions were about general evaluation, contributions, faced problems, and suggestions about the school experience course process. The study is phenomenological research from qualitative research types, and the content analysis method was used to analyze the data. Based on the analysis of the collected data, the following codes were obtained: positive, neutral, and negative under the heading of general evaluation; no contribution, getting to know students, professional skills, and time under the heading of contributions; technological problems, lack of professional skills, professional satisfaction, and communication under the heading of faced problems; and active participation, changing the course content, educational support, face-to-face education, student participation, and technological support under the heading of suggestions.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Authenticity and Alexithymia in University Students.

The aim of our study is to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia by examining the relationships between authenticity, alexithymia and self-compassion. The data collected via email by using three scales from the students of a foundation university in Istanbul/Turkey in the spring semester of 2022-2023. The data collection method was a descriptive cross-sectional study and the data were collected on a voluntary basis. Since it was thought that there would be a difference between the departments, data were collected from three different departments. The sample included 263 participants, 139 were English Language Teaching, 107 were Guidance and Psychological Counseling, and 17 were Elementary Mathematics Teaching students. The average age of the participants was 22.11 ± 3.59, 257 of them were single and 6 of them were married. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS 22.0 and LISREL 8.80 programs. While descriptive analyses were used in the evaluation, the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia was tested with Structural Equation Modeling. When the measurement model was examined, it was seen that there was a relationship between authenticity and alexithymia (r = -.40; p < .000), between self-compassion and alexithymia (r = - .85; p < .001) and between self-compassion and authenticity (r = .43; p < .001). When the structural equation model was examined, it was found that the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia in the measurement model (r = -.40) decreased to (β = - .05; p > .005) when the mediating role of self-compassion was examined and the relationship was found to be insignificant. When this path was removed from the model and the model was re-examined, the goodness of fit values of the model were χ2/df (71.12/51) ratio = 1.174; RMSEA = .039; SRMR = .050; CFI= .99; NFI = .96; NNFI = .98; IFI = .99; RFI = .95 and GFI = .96. In the study, it was found that self-compassion has a full mediating role in the relationship between authenticity and alexithymia in three departments. The relationship between authenticity and alexithymia goes through self-compassion.

Challenges of Indonesian elementary school mathematics teachers in integrating critical thinking into the classroom

This study addresses the pressing need to develop critical thinking skills in young learners, which is essential for 21st-century education. Focusing on Indonesian elementary school mathematics teachers, this research provides new insights into the specific challenges they encounter a context that has been underexplored in the existing literature. The primary objective of this study is to identify the barriers these teachers face when integrating critical thinking skills into their mathematics instruction. Utilizing a qualitative approach, the research employs open-ended online surveys, allowing participants to respond to their own words rather than selecting from predefined options. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, resulting in a sample of 114 teachers from ten provinces across Indonesia. Data from the surveys were analyzed thematically and inductively using constant comparative methods. The analysis identified that the major obstacles to integrating critical thinking skills into mathematics education were limitations related to time and resources (accounting for 71.34% of identified barriers), along with deficiencies in pedagogical knowledge, confidence, and skepticism about the expected outcomes. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the considerations necessary for successfully incorporating critical thinking skills into elementary mathematics instruction and highlight the potential for enhancing teacher effectiveness in this area.

Strategies for Guiding Creative Teaching of Elementary Mathematics by Young University Teachers

In the context of current educational reforms, creative teaching in elementary mathematics has become a crucial means to enhance students' interest and mathematical literacy. This paper explores the strategies for guiding creative teaching in elementary mathematics by young university teachers. By analyzing the current status and challenges of elementary mathematics teaching and combining the professional competence and innovative capabilities of young university teachers, a series of guiding strategies are proposed. The research indicates that these strategies can effectively enhance the creativity in elementary mathematics teaching and improve student learning outcomes, demonstrating significant practical value.

Using the UTAUT-TPACK model to explain digital teaching behaviour of elementary school mathematics teacher

ABSTRACT The appropriate use of digital technology in the classroom is very helpful to improve mathematics teaching in elementary school. However, the current situation of elementary school mathematics teachers’ digital teaching behaviour is not optimistic. This study analysed the factors influencing elementary school mathematics teachers’ digital teaching behaviour. A revised unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model with technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) was used to understand elementary school mathematics teachers’ digital teaching behaviour. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Hunan province of China. Three hundred elementary school mathematics teachers provided valid questionnaire data. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach was used to analyse the data. It was found that TPACK and facilitating conditions positively and significantly affected digital teaching behaviour of elementary school mathematics teachers, and TPACK was the biggest influential factor. The research results have important implications for improving digital teaching behaviour of elementary school mathematics teachers and promoting digital transformation of elementary school mathematics education.

Investigation of the Relationships between E-Learning Styles, Educational Technology Self-Efficacy Perceptions and Problem-Solving Skills of Pre-Service Elementary Mathematics Teachers'

This study aims to determine the relationship between pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' e-learning styles, educational technology self-efficacy perceptions, and problem-solving skills. The sample of the study, in which the relational screening model was used, consists of 150 pre-service teachers studying in a state university's elementary mathematics teaching department. Of the participants, 68% (n=102) were female and 32% (n=48) were male. Data collection tools, e-learning styles, education technology self-efficacy, and measurement tools consisting of non-routine problems were used to determine problem-solving skills and an information form. Pearson product-moment correlation technique and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data set. According to the study's findings, significant relationships were determined between the sub-dimensions of e-learning styles, education technology self-efficacy, and problem-solving skills. Predictive variables consisting of sub-dimensions of e-learning styles and education technology self-efficacy explained 36% of the variance of the problem-solving skill. At the same time, audio-visual learning, verbal learning, active learning, logical learning, modeling digital-age work and learning, designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments, and engaging in professional growth and leadership variables were effective in problem-solving. Finally, according to the findings, some suggestions are presented.

Enhancing mathematics education in the UAE: Elementary teachers’ views on distance education methods

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an unprecedented reliance on digital technologies in education, regardless of the pre-existing attitude of teachers. This study explores elementary school teachers’ perceptions about teaching mathematics through distance education. Using a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was administered to primary teachers in the UAE during the spring semester of 2020-2021. The results show teachers’ readiness to adopt digital technology in teaching against increased workload. Difficulties emerged in optimizing student performance in online environments. While the institution supports digital integration, teachers prefer traditional in-person classroom instruction. Therefore, the research would inform some educational systems and curriculum planning worldwide on the best way to integrate digital technology within elementary mathematics education. The study aims to close the gap in mathematics education within a digital context to solve the emerging educational demands.

Index Card Match Boosts Math Learning by 84.2%

This study examines the effectiveness of the Index Card Match (ICM) learning model on fifth-grade mathematics education at SDIT Ainul Yaqin. Using a pre-experimental design, 20 students were selected through purposive sampling. Test sheets were used to measure learning outcomes, and data analysis included testing for normality and calculating N-Gain scores. The results showed a significant 84.2% improvement in mathematics learning outcomes, indicating the positive impact of the ICM model on student achievement. This research contributes to understanding innovative teaching methods' efficacy in enhancing elementary mathematics education. Highlight: Effective Math Learning: Evaluating Index Card Match model in fifth-grade math education. Pre-Experimental Design: Utilizing purposive sampling to assess teaching model impact. Notable Improvement: 84.2% increase in math learning outcomes observed. Keyword: Index Card Match, Mathematics Education, Elementary School, Learning Outcomes, Innovative Teaching Methods.

Improving mental arithmetic ability of primary school students with schema teaching method: An experimental study.

Skillful utilization of mental arithmetic can significantly improve students' mathematical computation ability. However, it was observed that primary school students often resort to reiterating the process of written arithmetic in their minds during mental arithmetic, which is not conducive to their numerical ability improvement. This paper devises a set of graphic teaching aids for primary school students' mental arithmetic improvement based on mental arithmetic strategies, schema theory, and working memory. To validate the effectiveness of schema teaching in enhancing mental arithmetic ability among primary school students, a controlled experiment was conducted with two groups of third-grade students randomly selected from a primary school in Jingshan City. The results, obtained through descriptive statistical analysis and the multitrait-multimethod approach (MTMM), indicated that the experimental group (n = 52) demonstrated significant improvements in speed, accuracy, and stability in mental addition and subtraction after a 14-day instruction period in schema teaching. This study offers a potent mental arithmetic teaching strategy for elementary mathematics education, which can lead to a comprehensive enhancement of students' mental calculation abilities. It also holds promise for inspiring innovative teaching methodologies in primary and secondary mathematics education in the future.

Validity evidence of the use of quantitative measures of students in elementary mathematics education

AbstractQuantitative measures in mathematics education have informed policies and practices for over a century. Thus, it is critical that such measures in mathematics education have sufficient validity evidence to improve mathematics experiences for students. This article provides a systematic review of the validity evidence related to measures used in elementary mathematics education. The review includes measures that focus on elementary students as the unit of analyses and attends to validity as defined by current conceptions of measurement. Findings suggest that one in ten measures in mathematics education include rigorous evidence to support intended uses. Recommendations are made to support mathematics education researchers to continue to take steps to improve validity evidence in the design and use of quantitative measures.

Development of Motion Graphics Video Based on CPA Approach to Enhance Elementary Students' Mathematical Creative Thinking Ability

It is important to develop the creative thinking ability of elementary school students so they can tackle the challenges of today’s world. This skill can be enhanced through learning activities at school, particularly in subjects like mathematics. This study aimed to create motion graphics video teaching materials based on the CPA approach to help improve students’ creative thinking abilities. The 4-D model was used to develop these materials, which involves defining, designing, developing, and disseminating the materials. The experts used teaching materials assessment sheets and test items to evaluate the effectiveness of the materials. The results showed that mathematics teaching materials using motion graphics video teaching based on the CPA approach were successful in improving students’ creative thinking skills. These teaching materials can be used in elementary mathematics education and for further research purposes.&#x0D; Keywords: CPA approach, mathematical creative thinking ability, motion graphics video.

Digital game-based learning in mathematics education at primary school level: A systematic literature review

In recent decades, digital game-based learning (DGBL) has become a trend among scholars and practitioners in many parts of the world. Therefore, there were some systematic literature reviews in the past few years conducted to identify the trends of DGBL research with diverse subjects and educational levels, however, there is a lack of review that focuses only on mathematics education at primary school levels. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of DGBL research within the context of elementary mathematics learning. Using PRISMA (2020) flow diagram, this study identified 45 articles related to the topic during the period of 2006-2023. Papers were coded and analyzed by years, regions, elementary mathematics topics, research issues, outcomes, research approaches, research design, data collection tools, game genres, and gameplay mode. The results from this systematic review identified the trends in DGBL research related to elementary mathematics learning, highlighted gaps in existing literature, provided insights, and oriented future studies on the topic. The findings of the research reveal a pronounced interest among scholars in the content topics of elementary mathematics, highlighting the research issues that attract attention, the methodologies employed in studies, and the types of games and gaming modes frequently utilized for elementary school children. The article discusses the trends of DGBL within elementary mathematics education, offering in-depth analyses and identifying research gaps that could guide future directions.