Preservice Teachers Decomposing Ambitious Mathematics Teaching

Abstract

We examined preservice teachers' experiences during a clinically embedded mathematics methods course, specifically examining the impact of video-based professional learning structures using the Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI; Learning Mathematics for Teaching, 2014) instruments on their collaborative planning and collective observations. Preservice teachers co-taught the summer PDS Math Lab within a Professional Learning Community with structured observations with video analysis that entailed: a) Collaborative planning; b) Structured Observations targeting instructional analysis focused on ambitious teaching practices; c) Use of the MQI that focused on the richness of mathematics. The authors detail the specific affordances of the structured observation with video analysis in a math methods course in a teacher preparation program and how the clinically embedded coursework supported preservice teachers' decomposition of ambitious teaching and bridge practitioner and academic knowledge.