Preservice teachers study an academic discipline (e.g. mathematics) and -- just like students majoring in that discipline -- have a certain level of connectedness to it. While studying, students may compare themselves to peers studying the same discipline within alternative degree programs, characterized by different study contexts. Notably,…

This essay paper discusses the decline in the numbers of students studying mathematics at German universities. Sections on mathematics in German secondary schools, reasons for the decline in numbers, and issues related to reversing the trend are included. The article also highlights the German "Diplom" and mathematics departments in…