Impact of entry-level mathematics subject-matter knowledge on student teachers' mathematics pedagogical content knowledge development and their mathematics teaching practice performance

This study investigated the impact of entry level of mathematics subject knowledge on student teachers' mathematics pedagogical content knowledge development and performance in mathematics teaching practice. The sample consisted of 24 mathematics student teachers, 12 of whom passed A-Level mathematics and 12 of whom only passed O-level mathematics. They were all studying in a 4-year bachelor of education (Honours/Primary) programme; they were either majoring or minoring in mathematics. Results showed that student teachers' entry-level mathematics subject knowledge is not related to their mathematics pedagogical content knowledge development or their mathematics teaching performance. These findings may lead society to consider whether student teachers who have passed O-level mathematics are already eligible to be trained as professional primary mathematics teachers. As a consequence, this study raises the issues of how to develop student teachers' mathematics pedagogical content knowledge and whether we need to restructure our bachelor of education (Primary) programmes' curriculum in teacher professionalism. Copyright © 2012 Korean Society of Mathematical Education.