Article
Views and understandings about mathematical reasoning and proving in elementary school mathematics evident in pre-service teachers’ reflections
2017 Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association
(2017)
Abstract
In the context of integrated mathematics content and pedagogy with field experience courses,
this study examined pre-service teachers’ learning about mathematical reasoning and proving in
elementary school mathematics. Four reflective journals of 36 pre-service teachers (PSTs)
completed at the beginning and at the end of the semester, and papers in which PSTs analyzed
their practice of engaging an elementary student in justifying a conjecture, were analyzed for
evidence of PSTs’ views and understandings about teaching elementary school mathematics with
a focus on reasoning and proving. The data revealed PSTs’ thinking about the nature of
reasoning and proving and about teaching with a focus on reasoning and proving. The data also
documented how reflecting on multiple experiences in the integrated courses builds PSTs’
awareness of different aspects of their knowledge, and helps them develop a more complex view
of teaching elementary school mathematics.
Disciplines
Publication Date
April, 2017
Citation Information
Magiera, M. T. (2017). Views and understandings about mathematical reasoning and proving in elementary school mathematics evident in pre-service teachers’ reflections. Paper presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, San Antonio, TX, April 27 – May 1, 2017. AERA Online Paper Repository http://www.aera.net/repository.