Investigating Classroom Teaching Competencies of Pre service Elementary Mathematics Teachers

Abstract

The study has sought answers to two major questions: What is the current situation in Elementary Mathematics Education programs at Faculty of Education in terms of classroom teaching competencies? To what extent do pre service teachers acquire these competencies? The research was conducted on 202 senior pre service teachers studying at the Department of Elementary Mathematics Education at a State University in Turkey during the 2012-2013 academic years. An observation form developed by the researcher was used to collect data about the pre service teachers' classroom competencies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated a significant and positive relationship between the sub dimensions of pre service teachers' teaching competencies. In addition, there was a significant difference between competency score in terms of different grade levels. According to observation scores, pre service teachers were significantly competent in 6th grade classrooms than in 8th grade classrooms.