Exploring the Perceived Relevance of University Mathematics Studies by First-Semester Teaching Students

verfasst von

Christiane Büdenbender-Kuklinski, Reinhard Hochmuth, Michael Liebendörfer

Abstract

As earlier research results suggest that many mathematics teaching students criticize a missing relevance in their studies, we explore explanations and interrelationships of their relevance assessments. We aim at finding out how one could support the students in attributing relevance to their study programs. A two-fold model for relevance assessments in mathematics teacher education is proposed, consisting of relevance content and relevance reasons. We investigate students' relevance perceptions of mathematical topics and of topics’ complexities, as well as their rating of individual and societal/ vocational relevance reasons, all in relation to their perception of the relevance of their overall program of study. Contrary to earlier research findings, our results suggest that mathematics teaching students already do attribute relevance to many content areas and that a preparation for the teaching profession is not the only reason for them to assign relevance. There also seem to be many students who would attribute relevance if they could develop as individuals and pursue their interests. We suggest that giving students opportunities to set individual priorities in their studies could hence support their relevance assessments. As low relevance assessments seem to be connected to students’ motivational problems, students might profit from motivational support, as well.

Organisationseinheit(en)

Institut für Didaktik der Mathematik und Physik

Externe Organisation(en)

Universität Paderborn

Typ

Artikel

Journal

International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education

Band

10

Seiten

138-171

Anzahl der Seiten

34

Publikationsdatum

04.2024

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Mathematik (sonstige), Ausbildung bzw. Denomination

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40753-022-00188-7 (Zugang: Offen)