In this paper, we demonstrate how atypical visual representations of a triangle, square or a parallelogram may hinder students' understanding of a median and altitude. We analyze responses and reasoning given by 16 preservice middle school teachers in a Geometry Connection class. Particularly, the data were garnered from three specific questions…

Background: Since 1982 many student-centred physical education teaching approaches have been proposed as viable alternatives to the traditional teacher-centred methodology. However, research indicates that their uptake by physical education practitioners has been limited. This is concerning, particularly given the prominence of alternative…

The importance of computational thinking skills in mathematics has been recognized in educational research for a long time. More recently, this recognition has materialized in formal international recommendations (e.g., by PISA's 2022 Mathematics Framework) and in national or provincial curricular reforms (e.g., in France, Sweden, and Canada) that…

This paper explores the use of a mediated field experience (MFE) for teacher candidates in a middle school setting, a small laboratory school. This work focuses on adjustments made for the MFE to function in an online environment during remote instruction caused by a worldwide pandemic. Teacher candidates completed a learning cycle focused on…

This article describes the trials and tribulations that a middle level education program faced during the global pandemic and recommendations that others can take away from these experiences. The provided suggestions for middle level teacher education programs are specifically for the current pandemic, but can be used for other disasters as well.…

Mathematical modeling has been recognized and highlighted in most standards and reports as an important concept to the teaching and learning of mathematics. The study investigated 208 PK-8 preservice teachers' (PSTs') familiarity and experiences with mathematical modeling. The study adopted a survey-design perspective to collect data from 10…

There is a wide recognition that reasoning abstractly, constructing arguments, or critiquing arguments should be an important educational goal in the mathematical experiences of all students in the standards for school mathematics. Seeing these standards as an essential element for developing deep mathematical understanding; however, call for a…

Teaching meaningful and productive mathematical argument in school requires teachers who are comfortable with diverse forms of mathematical justification. This study examines the written and oral justifications of pre-service middle school teachers (PSTs) in a single classroom, focusing on the types of justifications they use during the patterns…

One of the primary goals of teacher education is to aid preservice candidates in formulating a personal philosophy of teaching that is research-based. Teacher candidates should recognize that their philosophy of teaching and learning must be grounded in research-affirmed theory, certain dimensions of which (e.g., motivation) are critical to…

Student achievement is rooted in a teacher's ability to identify and assess student understanding of material. This is particularly challenging in classroom settings, which are dynamic and full of distractions, especially in science classrooms where discussion and inquiry are paramount. In mathematics education, the concept of "professional…

Teachers of students with significant cognitive disabilities have expressed the need for additional training and resources to realign instruction to general education standards. At the same time, pre-service teachers preparing to enter the field of special education need to be placed in classrooms where teachers have updated knowledge and skills…

"A critical pillar of a strong PreK-12 education is a well-qualified teacher in every classroom" (Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences, 2012, p. 1). In order for teachers to help students build procedural fluency from conceptual understanding and meet the standards set forth by governing agencies, prospective teachers will need deep…

A literacy festival is one of the most effective ways to promote reading and fosters the idea that books make a difference, especially to under-supported students. This paper is based on a research study that focused on how a university literacy festival supported engagement and increased reading attitudes and habits for students of Title I…

Educators assume the role of gatekeepers when they make literature selections for adolescent classrooms. Their taken-for-granted assumptions, or figured worlds, about adolescent and youth literature may inform their decisions to either select or preemptively censor books. In this qualitative study, the authors examined the figured worlds of six…

In a previous study, we validated the fractions schemes and operations trajectory (Norton and Wilkins 2012; Steffe in J Math Behav 20(3): 267-307, 2002; Steffe and Olive Children's fractional knowledge. Springer, New York, 2010; Wilkins and Norton 2011) with PreK-8 prospective teachers and explored PreK-8 prospective teachers' understanding of…