Elementary preservice teachers' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards fractions: A mixed-analysis

Roslinda Rosli, Dianne Goldsby, Anthony J. Onwuegbuzie, Mary Margaret Capraro, Robert M. Capraro, Elsa Gonzalez Y. Gonzalez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Previous research has shown knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes are essential factors during mathematics classroom instruction. The current study examined the effects of a 3-week fraction instructional unit using concrete models, problem-solving, and problem-posing to improve elementary preservice teachers' knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards fractions. A quasi-experiment design was implemented to gather data via closed-ended, open-ended, and essay tasks from a convenience sampling of 71 female elementary preservice teachers during pre- and post-assessments. The study discovered that the select preservice teachers were weak in the content knowledge specifically on unit-whole, part-whole, equivalent area, arithmetic operations, and ordering fractional values. In contrast, the incorporation of concrete models, problem-solving and problem-posing was effective in improving the preservice teachers' level of pedagogical content knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards fractions. Implications of the results and suggestions are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-76
Number of pages18
JournalJournal on Mathematics Education
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Elementary school
  • Mixed methods
  • Preservice teachers
  • Problem posing
  • Teacher preparation program

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • General Mathematics

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