Mathematics Education Program Research Articles

Peningkatan Kemampuan Pedagogi Mahasiswa Melalui Model Lesson Study pada Mata Kuliah Microteaching

The purpose of this research is to improve students pedagogical skills through a lesson study model in microteaching courses. The type of research conducted is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The subjects of the study were 6 students from the Mathematics Education, Biology Education, English Education and Indonesian Education Study Programs at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Iqra Buru University. Data collection uses observation sheets on the lesson plans made and the learning implementation process. The results of the research obtained are: 1) in preparing the learning implementation plan), from the 7 aspects that were assessed, namely: (1) the completeness of the identity of the RPP is obtained from 65% to 85%; (2) the formulation of learning objectives was obtained from 67.8% to 90%; (3) The description of the subject matter was obtained from 65% to 85%; (4) learning methods, strategies and media were obtained by 58%; to 92.6%; (5) the learning plan was obtained by 66.6%, to 84.3%; (6) The assessment was obtained by 70%, to 90%; and (7) learning resources were obtained by 75%, to 88.5. 2) Implementation (Do) with the application of lesson study there was a very good increase where from 3 aspects that were assessed to obtain ideals, namely (1) Introduction, 68.7% to 88% of categories; (2) Core, 61.6%, to 85%; and (3) 65% cover to 95. In conclusion, the application of the lesson study model in microteaching courses can improve students' pedagogical teaching skills.

Analysis of Aspiration Factors becoming Mathematics Teacher that Influence High School Students’ Decision to Choos Mathematics Education Program

The importance of the ideal factor in making decisions to choose a program is the urgency of this study. The purpose is to describe the factors of the ideal of becoming a mathematics teacher that influence students in making decisions to choose the mathematics education program at UIN SYAHADA Padangsidimpuan candidates in 10 respondents. The qualitative descriptive is the approach taken in this study. The method of sampling targeted/purposive and snowball data sources, triangulation data collection methods, inductive/qualitative data analysis and qualitative research results emphasize these methods in one method. The results showed that the ideal factor of becoming a mathematics teacher was found in making decisions to choose the mathematics education. After analyzing the information that the researcher collected, it was found based on the results of the analysis questionnaires distributed and interviews with respondents/students who were active in the mathematics education department, several effective factors in the field were found that influenced students to choose the mathematics education section, namely the ideal factor of becoming a mathematics teacher. Based on these results, it shows that one of the factors that influences students to choose a mathematics education program is the aspiration factor to become a mathematics teacher. The aspiration factor to become a mathematics teacher is related to choice of mathematics education program. Of all the problems answered by mathematics education students, there were 10 respondents who in accordance with the aspiration factor to become a mathematics teacher in making decisions about choosing a mathematics education program.

Improving mathematical proof based on computational thinking components for prospective teachers in abstract algebra courses

Understanding and constructing mathematical proofs is fundamental for students in abstract algebra courses. The computational thinking approach can aid the process of compiling mathematical proofs. This study examined the impact of integrating computational thinking components in constructing mathematical proofs. The researcher employed a sequential explanatory approach to ascertain the enhancement of algebraic proof capability based on computational thinking through the Wilcoxon test. A total of 32 prospective teachers in mathematics education programs were provided with worksheets for seven meetings, which were combined with computational thinking stages. Quantitative data were collected from initial and subsequent test instruments. Moreover, three prospective teachers were examined through case studies to investigate their mathematical proof capability using computational thinking components, including decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking. The study's findings indicated that CT intervention enhanced students' logical reasoning, proof-writing abilities, and overall engagement with abstract algebra concepts. The findings illustrate that integrating computational thinking into learning strategies can provide a framework for developing higher-order thinking skills, especially in proving, which are essential for studies in mathematics education programs.

Graduate school's impact on careers: Insights and implications from master of arts in education graduates

This study explores the impact of a graduate education strategy in mathematics education, focusing on how graduation rates and student outcomes are influenced and managed. Employing an inductive thematic analysis and descriptive quantitative methods, the research reveals that program graduates experience significant professional growth, enhanced teaching practices, and increased self-confidence. These gains underscore the program’s critical role in advancing graduates' careers. Additionally, graduates actively engage in professional networks and organizations, furthering their career development. Their constructive feedback and engagement in program improvements highlight a commitment to continuous enhancement. Quantitative analysis shows the program's high relevance to graduates’ professional roles, resulting in higher salaries and a positive impact on mathematics education practices. Regardless of enrollment year, the Master of Arts in Mathematics Education program consistently benefits its graduates. These findings offer valuable insights for program administrators seeking to enhance program quality and effectiveness for current and future students. Moreover, the study acknowledges that individual abilities, research focus, and external opportunities may also influence graduate performance. Keywords: Education; graduate education; Mathematics; network building.

Enhancing mathematical proof skills in teacher education through etymology-based learning approaches

This study aims to enhance students' understanding of mathematical proof through the etymology-based learning method. The research employs a descriptive approach to observe and analyze students' mathematical proof patterns in various contexts. Data were collected from 30 students enrolled in a master's degree program in mathematics education who demonstrated varying abilities in mathematical proof. The findings indicate that using action words or phrases during instruction can support students' ability to differentiate relevant terms and avoid misinterpretation of context. Furthermore, comparative understanding of source and target problems improves students' mathematical proof patterns in broader learning contexts. The implications of this study highlight the importance of integrating language-based and formal approaches in mathematics teaching to enhance students' mathematical proof abilities holistically.

Geometric Thinking of Prospective Mathematics Teachers: Assessing the Foundation Built by University Undergraduate Education in Ghana

This study investigates the geometric thinking levels of final year prospective mathematics teachers in Ghana, utilizing the van Hiele model to evaluate their proficiency. The main purpose was to assess whether university undergraduate mathematics education provides a sufficiently strong foundation for teaching senior high school geometry. A descriptive survey design was employed, involving 1,255 prospective mathematics teachers from three universities: University of Education Winneba (UEW), University of Cape Coast (UCC), and Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). The van Hiele Geometry Test (VHGT) was administered to measure participants’ levels of geometric thinking. The results revealed that 8.8% of participants attained van Hiele Level 1 (visualization), 30.0% reached Level 2 (analysis), and 32.4% achieved Level 3 (abstraction). However, only 15.9% and 12.9% of prospective teachers reached Levels 4 (deduction) and 5 (rigor), respectively. These findings indicate a significant gap between the current geometric thinking skills of prospective teachers and the expectations of the Ghanaian mathematics curriculum, which anticipates higher-order thinking skills. The study concludes that the current undergraduate mathematics education programs in Ghanaian universities may not be adequately preparing future teachers to teach senior high school geometry effectively. It is recommended that these programs be revised to include more focus on developing higher-order geometric thinking skills, with an emphasis on deductive reasoning, formal proof-based learning and rigor in geometry thinking. Enhancing the curriculum and teaching methods could narrow this gap and improve the overall quality of geometry education in Ghana.

Comparing the Use of AI Tools in Mathematics and English Education: The Potential and Challenges of AI as Learning Assistant for FKIP UQ Students in Completing Academic Tasks

This study investigates the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among students enrolled in Mathematics and English Language Education programs at higher education in completing their academic tasks. Through a qualitative method, the study examines students' attitudes towards AI, their preferred AI tools, and the perceived benefits and challenges associated with AI integration in academic tasks. The findings reveal that the majority of students in both programs view AI as a valuable tool for enhancing learning outcomes and academic performance. Chat GPT emerges as the most favoured AI tool, particularly among Mathematics students. Moreover, students acknowledge the potential of AI to improve their motivation in learning and provide personalized feedback. However, students also express concerns regarding AI's limitations, including its inaccuracy and potential biases in data and information. Overall, this study underscores the importance of integrating AI responsibly and equitably to optimize its benefits and address potential drawbacks

Perceived Research Expectations for Mathematics Education Faculty in US Institutions of Higher Education

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of a survey of 404 US mathematics education faculty regarding their research expectations for obtaining tenure. Survey questions asked about participants’ perceptions of expected numbers of publications per year, and how much different types of publications (e.g. journal articles, book chapters) and scholarly activities (e.g. giving presentations, obtaining funding) were valued. Statistical analyses were used to examine differences in these results across three demographic characteristics (institution type, research commitment, department). We found statistically significant differences related to each of these variables. Research expectations varied substantially across institution type. For example, the average expected number of yearly publications was 2.23, 1.63, and .99 papers at R1, R2, and Other institutions respectively. By contrast, research expectations seldom varied by department. We conclude with implications of these findings for individual faculty, mathematics education programs, and to the broader field of mathematics education. Given the variation that exists across institutions, departments, and percent time doing research, it would seem beneficial to all for expectations documents to make explicit mention of expected number of publications, how much various types of publications count, how much other types of scholarly activities count, and whether those activities are necessary.

Pemberdayaan Himpunan Mahasiswa Program Studi (HMPS) Dalam Upaya Mengurangi Jumlah Anak Putus Sekolah Di Pulau-Pulau Kecil Perbatasan

This program aims to reduce the percentage of school dropouts in border islands. Through this program, researchers created an educational environment by involving students of the Study Program Student Association (HMPS). This program was held every Saturday in Wakarleli, Maluku Barat Daya, during October 2023 - November 2023 involving around 20 children in various age categories and around 5-10 students at each meeting. The method used in this activity is descriptive method. The activities supporting the program are educational games which are implemented at the beginning and at the end of the meeting, the introduction of letters and numbers, and counting activities. The results of evaluations and interviews show that this program can increase children's confidence levels, train their communication skills, patience, tolerance, and helping attitudes between children. In addition to the great benefits for the children, this program also provides huge benefits for the students and lecturers involved. For students, this program is considered to increase their creativity in making learning media. Where this skill is a much needed skill, especially for students of the Mathematics Education and PGSD Study Programs. In addition, for students of the Law Study Program, this activity can also foster sensitivity in society and improve their communication skills which are also needed in their future profession. In general, in this program students are trained to work together, socialize and build their confidence to be in public.

Wayfinding in an indigenous initial teacher education mathematics programme

In this paper we discuss ongoing challenges for Māori-medium initial teacher education in addressing conceptual, linguistic and pedagogical tensions that impact on developing mathematics education programmes. These include the small pool of applicants with the necessary linguistic and cultural knowledge required to teach in Māori-medium settings. Māori-medium schooling has the dual goals of providing a learning environment where Māori ways of knowing and being are taken for granted and students have access to international notions of academic success. However, many Māori-medium initial teaching education applicants have learnt mathematics in English and have had varying levels of access to Māori practices that could be taught alongside mathematics. To address these challenges, we utilise the cultural symmetry model to guide the design and delivery of Māori-medium initial teacher education tasks using wayfinding. Thereby illuminating Māori practices and school mathematics curriculum simultaneously.

TPACK competence of mathematics education students in designing constructivist learning

The problem and the aim of the study. This study examines mathematics education students' TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) and constructivist learning skills. The major issue is mathematical education students' ability to integrate technology, pedagogical expertise, and mathematical content knowledge in a constructivist learning setting. The study topics include how well students employ constructivist ideas in learning design, how technology supports mathematics learning, and what variables impact their TPACK abilities. By studying it more, this research may help enhance the mathematics education curriculum and teacher training to meet 21st-century education needs. Research methods. Qualitative case study research is used in this work. 23 students of the mathematics education program at Universitas Negeri Surabaya were selected. After observing students in constructivist mathematics learning design activities, in-depth interviews were conducted to understand better their views on TPACK and the constructivist approach, and their learning plans were analyzed. Students' TPACK abilities in constructivist learning will be assessed using thematic and triangulated data analysis. The research findings may help explain the problems and opportunities of constructing a mathematics education curriculum, particularly when merging TPACK and constructivist techniques. Results. The average TPACK competency of math education students is 78.4%, according to studies. According to the TPACK component analysis, students scored 85.2% on the Technology Knowledge Test (TK), 79.6% on the Pedagogical Knowledge Test (PK), and 75.8% on the Content Knowledge Test (CK). However, CK component proficiency varied, suggesting mathematical content knowledge should be improved. In-depth interviews showed that students with formal educational technology training or courses had higher TPACK ratings (M = 82.1%) than those without (M = 76.3%). These data show that formal education and training improve TPACK abilities. To optimize the constructivist method, the CK component must be improved. This research shows that technology integration and mathematics subject mastery are crucial to constructivist learning curricula and training programs for mathematics education students. Conclusion. The constructivist learning TPACK skills of mathematics education students are examined in this study. Students demonstrated technology integration, instructional competency, and mathematical topic knowledge with an average TPACK score of 78.4%. According to TPACK component analysis, pupils have good technical skills (TK) but varied mathematics topic knowledge. TPACK scores are higher for technology education students, demonstrating the role of formal learning in competency. These findings show that CK needs to include constructivism better. In conclusion, comprehensive training and mathematical content additions can improve students' TPACK skills, enabling constructivist technology usage. These insights may assist in improving mathematics curriculum and training.

View of Pre-Service Teacher Regarding Math and Science Literacy

As future teacher candidates, pre-service teachers must have good mathematical and scientific literacy. Therefore, this study aims to describe the prospective of teacher students’ mathematical literacy and scientific literacy. This type of research is a qualitative descriptive study with deep interview techniques. A total of 8 studentteacher candidates from the mathematics education, biology, and chemistry education study programs were selected to be interviewed. The results showed that students equipped with an understanding of mathematical literacy and scientific literacy in literacy-related programs and literacy lectures responded positively. Keywords: teacher regarding, math literacy, science literacy

Impacts of a continued Mathematics Education program on teaching practice in public schools of Jaguariaíva, Paraná

This article investigates the effects of a continuing education program in Mathematical Education for early elementary school teachers in Jaguariaíva, Paraná. The research, carried out within the Postgraduate Program in Science and Mathematics Teaching at Lutheran University of Brazil, adopted a qualitative approach, using questionnaires, reports, and observations. The training program, grounded in the National Common Curricular Base (BNCC) and school demands, emphasized playfulness and the use of digital technologies. The results showed positive impacts on teaching practices, including the acquisition of skills for remote teaching during the Covid-19 pandemic. The importance of the BNCC and continuous education to enhance pedagogical practice and the curricular of initial education courses is highlighted.

Integrating Cardiovascular Engineering and Biofluid Mechanics in High School Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education: An Experiential Approach.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education workshops and programs play a key role in promoting early exposure to scientific applications and questions. Such early engagement leads to growing not only passion and interest in science, but it also leads to skill development through hands-on learning and critical thinking activities. Integrating physiology and engineering together is necessary especially to promote health technology awareness and introduce the young generation to areas where innovation is needed and where there is no separation between health-related matters and engineering methods and applications. To achieve this, we created a workshop aimed at K-12 (grades 9-11) students as part of the Summer Youth Programs at Michigan Technological University. The aim of this workshop was to expose students to how engineering concepts and methods translate into health- and medicine-related applications and cases. The program consisted of a total of 15 h and was divided into three sections over a period of 2 weeks. It involved a combination of theoretical and hands-on guided activities that we developed. At the end of the workshop, the students were provided a lesson or activity-specific assessment sheet and a whole workshop-specific assessment sheet to complete. They rated the programs along a 1-5 Likert scale and provided comments and feedback on what can be improved in the future. Students rated hands-on activities the highest in comparison with case studies and individual independent research. Conclusively, this STEM summer-youth program was a successful experience with many opportunities that will contribute to the continued improvement of the workshop in the future.

Students' Proficiency in Computational Thinking Through Constructivist Learning Theory

This study aims to assess students' mathematical computational thinking skills in the Mathematics Education program, focusing on the constructivist learning paradigm. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the constructivist learning approach on enhancing students' mathematical computational thinking skills. This study is a qualitative descriptive research that investigates students' learning process in the context of acquiring computational understanding and applying computational principles in mathematics education. The study was conducted in the Department of Mathematics Education, focusing on students enrolled in the Algebraic Structure course during the academic year 2023/2024. A total of 34 students were included as the subjects of this investigation. The study's findings offer a valuable understanding of the efficacy of the constructivist learning paradigm in enhancing the mathematical computational thinking abilities of Mathematics Education students. The findings indicated that the students' overall mathematical computational thinking proficiency was satisfactory. Additionally, prior mathematical knowledge was found to have a differentiating effect on students' mathematical computational thinking ability, particularly within the context of constructivism learning theory.

The supervised curricular internship with the perspective of playfulness that can produce differentiated practices

This article presents reflections made in the ongoing master's research, linked to the Graduate Program in Mathematics Education (PPGEMAT) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), which is linked to the Research Group on Teaching and Professoralities. The aim of this work is to understand what concept of playfulness (ludicity) may be - or is present - in the initial training of mathematics undergraduates, in the subjects that precede the Compulsory Supervised Curricular Internship (ECSO). At UFPEL, the ECSO takes place in the final years of elementary school and secondary school, in local public schools. This perception is being built up through the researcher's monitoring of the subjects that precede the internship, with class regency in public schools and the monitoring of academics in teaching practice. It has already been possible to see that these future teachers have developed activities with playfulness within the space offered by the schools, from the perspective worked on in some subjects prior to the Supervised Curricular Internship. The research adopted a qualitative approach and the first analyses are demonstrating the potential of playfulness in initial training.

Conceptualization of Out-of-School Mathematics Education

Out-of-school mathematics education is a relatively new domain. This paper examines learning environments in out-of-school mathematics education, where teachers play a role. These environments fall into three major categories: (a) real-life settings (working places, outdoor environments, daily life settings like home), (b) designed learning environments (e.g., museums, libraries, zoos), and (c) outside classroom settings in schools (e.g., school gymnasiums, art studios). This study highlights interchangeable use of “non-formal” and “informal” education by researchers and raises concerns regarding potential conflicts between informal education programs that employ formal approaches and the inherent nature of informal mathematics education. As a solution, this paper proposes using La Belle’s matrix (1982) to analyze current out—of-school mathematics education programs and identify their educational approaches. This contribution will broaden the conceptualization of out-of-school mathematics education and guide future research by examining critical issues.

The resolution of quadratic inequality problems in mathematics: Discrepancies between thought and action

This research explores the intricate relationship between students' cognitive processes and problem-solving approaches, explicitly focusing on misconceptions in solving quadratic inequalities. This study was conducted among 179 undergraduates in a mathematics education program in Malang, East Java, Indonesia; this mixed-method concurrent explanatory sequential design research employed the DISC questionnaire and quadratic inequality assignments. The DISC questionnaire categorized respondents into Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Data were generated from these pre-service teacher responses to the questionnaire, task assignment, and follow-up interviews to solicit information. Purposive sampling facilitated in-depth interviews, providing nuanced insights into the interplay between personality types and mathematical misconceptions. The quantitative data analysis results show a significant association between personality type and the type of error experienced by students when completing an open-ended task about quadratic inequalities X2(12) = 26.836, p = 0.008, V = 0.224. Meanwhile, qualitative data analysis findings reveal patterns associating personality types with specific misconceptions. Dominant traits are linked to theoretical misconceptions, while Influence and Conscientiousness traits correspond to conceptual misconceptions. Additionally, Steady traits are associated with classification misconceptions. This study contributes novel perspectives to mathematics education by exploring the influence of personality on mathematical cognition. The aim is to inform tailored teaching strategies for optimized learning outcomes, addressing persistent barriers posed by misconceptions in quadratic inequalities.

The resolution of quadratic inequality problems in mathematics: Discrepancies between thought and action

This research explores the intricate relationship between students' cognitive processes and problem-solving approaches, explicitly focusing on misconceptions in solving quadratic inequalities. This study was conducted among 179 undergraduates in a mathematics education program in Malang, East Java, Indonesia; this mixed-method concurrent explanatory sequential design research employed the DISC questionnaire and quadratic inequality assignments. The DISC questionnaire categorized respondents into Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Data were generated from these pre-service teacher responses to the questionnaire, task assignment, and follow-up interviews to solicit information. Purposive sampling facilitated in-depth interviews, providing nuanced insights into the interplay between personality types and mathematical misconceptions. The quantitative data analysis results show a significant association between personality type and the type of error experienced by students when completing an open-ended task about quadratic inequalities X2(12) = 26.836, p = 0.008, V = 0.224. Meanwhile, qualitative data analysis findings reveal patterns associating personality types with specific misconceptions. Dominant traits are linked to theoretical misconceptions, while Influence and Conscientiousness traits correspond to conceptual misconceptions. Additionally, Steady traits are associated with classification misconceptions. This study contributes novel perspectives to mathematics education by exploring the influence of personality on mathematical cognition. The aim is to inform tailored teaching strategies for optimized learning outcomes, addressing persistent barriers posed by misconceptions in quadratic inequalities.

Educação Financeira e Justiça Social: reflexões no âmbito da Educação Matemática

Abstract Financial Education, initially debated in the 2000s through the actions of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, gained strength in Brazil with the National Financial Education Strategy and, more recently, with the inclusion of this topic in the National Common Curricular Base. Regarding this, ideas in the national and global context still agree with a Financial Education of investment, of the sole and exclusive responsibility of the individual for financial issues. Despite over 20 years of problematization around Financial Education, this topic lacks theories and indications that promote Financial Education with a critical, social, and democratic bias toward Social Justice. What Financial Education, in the context of Mathematics Education, allows us to provide Education for Social Justice? This is one of the questions we asked ourselves and, consequently, guides us in the theoretical reflections that we present in this article. In other words, based on the results of studies, readings, debates, and publications that we have carried out over years of research in Financial Education, we aim to theorize about Financial Education for Social Justice, based on national and international references on the topic. To this end, we divided this text into four main sections, which address a brief contextualization of Financial Education, especially its discussions in the Graduate Program in Mathematics Education at São Paulo State University; an overview of Financial Education in Brazil and around the world, and the ideas around School Financial Education; theoretical aspects of Education for Social Justice; and, what we understand to be Financial Education for Social Justice. We indicate Financial Education as a potential for Social Justice by encouraging people to take on active roles with empowerment, democracy, and criticality.