posted on 2023-06-08, 13:52authored bySheila Henderson, Brian Hudson
This paper builds on the findings of recent studies into the levels of mathematical competence and confidence of primary student teachers. The data from these studies were based on the use of an online assessment tool and surveys of the students who participated in its use. The findings highlighted that students’ subject knowledge was often lacking when assessed using the online assessment. It was also found that those students possessing more advanced mathematics qualifications were less likely to display competence in primary mathematics and that their confidence levels in the subject were lower than predicted. The reasons for such findings are discussed in relation to beliefs about the nature of mathematics and associated attitudes towards it as a subject. This analysis is based on the consideration of opposing views of the nature of the subject which we identify as “mathematical fallibilism” on the one hand and “mathematical fundamentalism” on the other. Based on this analysis, a survey tool was designed and administered to 148 student teachers in the Autumn of 2010 in order to explore their attitudes and beliefs in relation tomathematics. The results of this follow-up study of attitudes and beliefs are discussed in relation to the earlier findings on confidence and competence