The researchers used Gorski's continuum of five approaches to multicultural education--which extends from conservative to liberal and then critical--to analyze 40 syllabi from required or elective courses for candidates seeking licensure to teach in the middle grades (grades 4-9). While the researchers found evidence of all five approaches within…

According to expectancy-value models, two important motivational constructs are task value and self-efficacy expectations. As students work intensively on mathematical problems in the classroom, teachers need the competence to judge whether students value solving the problem and how confident they are that they will succeed. However, not much is…

This study aims to examine the effects of a course module aimed at improving pre-service mathematics teachers' (PMTs) proof schemes. This study used designed-based research. Participants of the course were 22 PMTs in a teacher preparation program. We obtained data from two surveys, one of which consists of proof questions. The other requires…

In this qualitative multi-case study, we illustrate how three pre-service teachers from varying programs and social positions framed discussions in world history classrooms, and we discuss the broader narratives about the world their discussions communicated. Using critical theories of global citizenship education (GCE) and the Dynamic Systems…

The life quality of society and the stability of national economy is largely connected with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The complex character of STEM education demands informed teaching/learning strategies in order to make the 21st century youth interested in learning. The aim of the research was to find out the views…

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…

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…

In South Africa, limited studies have been conducted investigating responsive teaching and little is known about how teachers respond to unexpected events 'in the moment' that did not form part of their planning. In this article, we report how a Grade 9 novice and expert teacher responded to unexpected learner offers during the teaching of algebra…

Students' interest in mathematics is important for their learning of mathematics, and the ability to accurately judge students' motivational orientation is important for mathematics teachers. The aim of this study was to answer the following research questions: (1) Is there a difference in students' interest in solving problems with and without a…

Research stresses a need for more contextually nuanced urban teacher preparation programs that explore racially oppressive structures in society. This article presents a case study of five aspiring teachers who participated as mentors in a 2-year program for ninth grade students at Riverview Academy, an urban school. This study uses the…

There is a need for research-informed instructional approaches that promote school students' deep conceptual understanding of abstract geological concepts. Given that a type of learner-constructed stop-motion animation, 'slowmation', has been shown to offer affordances for learning in science preservice teacher education, we extended its…

To meet the demand for certified math and science teachers, alternative certification programs attempt to provide fast-track training and licensure of STEM-area educators (Goldhaber, Kreig, Theobald, & Brown, 2014). Teachers prepared in programs with a middle level specialization have been shown to participate in effective practices such as…

There is significant research addressing identities in mathematics focusing on school children and maximizing testing scores. However, mathematics confidence in preservice teachers is something that needs further attention as they will have foundational roles in students developing lifelong mathematics identities. Hence, mathematics confidence in…

Reflective practice in mathematical teaching improves teaching skills and confidence. This paper investigates affect-based critical moments as a reflective practice for pre-service teaching. An embedded case study is presented by one regional university as a discovery into the "reflective" phase of the Enhancement-Learning-Reflection…

Introduction: Few studies have addressed teacher trainees' information acquisition in the context of a task. The paper reports findings from an empirical study on teacher trainees' use of information (seeking) channels and sources, and their modes of information acquisition in lesson planning. Method: Semi-structured (retrospectively held)…