ERIC Number: EJ1312337
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Sep
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2167-9789
EISSN: N/A
Supporting Prospective Teachers in Problem Solving: Incorporating Mindset Messaging to Overcome Math Anxiety
Young, Erica Slate; Dyess, Sarah Roller
Mathematics Teacher Educator, v10 n1 p9-28 Sep 2021
Prospective and practicing elementary teachers have historically demonstrated anxiety about mathematics, which can affect their mathematics teaching and their students' math anxiety. Yet, developing productive dispositions prior to teacher preparation programs is rarely addressed in the research. We propose mindset messaging in mathematics courses as an intervention to influence prospective teachers' (PSTs') self-reported mathematical mindsets and math anxiety. Survey results indicated shifts toward growth mindsets and decreases in math anxiety. Further analysis of PSTs' written responses suggests that mindset messaging may support PSTs in overcoming math anxiety, and that perseverance during problem solving is critical for PSTs' mathematical improvement. Additionally, some PSTs connected course experiences to future mathematics teaching practices. Results propose MTEs might consider explicitly offering mindset messaging in mathematics courses.
Descriptors: Preservice Teachers, Preservice Teacher Education, Methods Courses, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Anxiety, Mathematics Skills, Self Efficacy, Problem Solving, Persistence, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Intervention, Elementary Education
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. 1906 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-235-7566; Tel: 703-620-9840; Fax: 703-476-2570; e-mail: publicationsdept@nctm.org; Web site: https://pubs.nctm.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A