Evolution of Teachers’ Teaching Beliefs About Mathematics in a Teacher Education Program

Abstract

Teachers’ teaching beliefs encompass the underlying perspectives that they hold. These beliefs significantly influence teacher actions in complex ways, thereby impacting the implementation of curriculum reform. However, existing research has revealed inconsistencies between teaching beliefs and actual practices. Employing a case study approach, this study adopts a reflective belief model to address this issue and explore the mechanisms of teaching belief formation within the context of a teacher education program in China. The findings indicate that teaching beliefs can evolve and develop through five dimensions: justification, exemplification, consistency, connection, and practicality. By considering these dimensions within the framework of the reflective belief model, we can better comprehend the inconsistencies between belief and practice. Teacher educators can utilize this understanding to foster the cultivation of reflective teaching beliefs for teachers within training programs.

Keywords

• mathematics teacher
• teaching beliefs
• development of teacher beliefs
• case study