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Mathematical Content Knowledge of Pre-Service Teachers: Implications for Consecutive ITE Programmes

Ní Shúilleabháin, Aoibhinn orcid logoORCID: 0000-0003-4823-495X, Ní Ríordáin, Máire orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-6434-9899, Prendergast, Mark orcid logoORCID: 0000-0002-1766-7421 and Johnson, Patrick orcid logoORCID: 0000-0001-5346-0260 (2021) Mathematical Content Knowledge of Pre-Service Teachers: Implications for Consecutive ITE Programmes. Irish Educational Studies, 42 (1). pp. 1-20. ISSN 0332-3315

Abstract
This study examines the mathematical content knowledge (MCK) of pre-service post-primary mathematics teachers (N=85) on commencing their Professional Master of Education (PME) initial teacher education (ITE) programme. Participants’ cognitive and conceptual proficiency with curriculum-aligned mathematical content was evaluated using a validated paper and pencil test, on commencement of their PME studies. Findings indicate that pre-service mathematics teachers exhibit stronger proficiency with Junior-Cycle curriculum-aligned content and weak proficiency with Senior-Cycle concepts, regardless of the curriculum strand. Given the lack of recent research examining MCK relating to pre-service teachers, and the focus of postgraduate ITE programmes on pedagogical aspects of teaching, this research identifies concerns with ITE programmes that may need to be addressed to support pre- service mathematics teachers’ development and induction into the profession. Keywords: mathematical content knowledge; pre-service teachers; consecutive ITE
Metadata
Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:Mathematical content knowledge; pre-service teachers; consecutive ITE
Subjects:Social Sciences > Education
Social Sciences > Teaching
Mathematics
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Institute of Education > School of STEM Education, Innovation, & Global Studies
Research Institutes and Centres > Research Centre in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education (CASTel)
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
Official URL:https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2021.1899030
Copyright Information:Authors
ID Code:32993
Deposited On:21 Jul 2026 11:54 by Aaron Barry . Last Modified 21 Jul 2026 11:54
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