An Exploration of the Gap between Theory and Practice in Online Field Experience in Mathematics Teaching

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Bibliographic Details
Title: An Exploration of the Gap between Theory and Practice in Online Field Experience in Mathematics Teaching
Language: English
Authors: Bengi Birgili (ORCID 0000-0002-2990-6717), Rukiye Didem Taylan Saygili (ORCID 0000-0002-3851-5662), Zelha Tunç Pekkan (ORCID 0000-0001-7194-6088), Ibrahim Burak Ölmez (ORCID 0000-0002-4931-2174)
Source: Turkish Journal of Education. 2025 14(3):233-250.
Availability: Turkish Journal of Education. Available from: Mehmet Tekerek. Azerbaycan Avenue 64/22 Onikisubat, Kahramanmaras TR 46040 Turkey. Tel: +90-505-383-7988; e-mail: turjeorg@gmail.com. Web site: https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/turje
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Teaching Methods, Theory Practice Relationship, Laboratory Schools, Teacher Education Programs, Video Technology, Lesson Plans, Teacher Educators, Field Experience Programs, Online Courses, Virtual Schools, Preservice Teachers, College School Cooperation, Partnerships in Education, Supervisors, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Turkey
ISSN: 2147-2858
Abstract: Past research has growingly shown importance of teacher candidates' ability to connect theory and practice for applying what they have acquired in coursework into practice. This study examined 23 mathematics teacher candidates' (TCs) ability to link coursework and online mathematics teaching field experiences in a mathematics teacher education program. Data included transcripts of 24 videotaped lesson plan meetings before the TCs' online teaching for one semester and transcripts of 9 videotaped whole group discussions after the TCs' online teaching in the Online Laboratory School. Data also included TCs' short reflections written immediately after online teaching based on interesting and significant moments in their teaching. The results indicated that TCs often struggled to make connections between theory and practice, suggesting the need for teacher educators to offer more coursework integration opportunities in their assignments of mathematics teaching field experiences. This study, utilizing multiple data sources such as instructors' goals, TCs' reflections, lesson plans, and whole-group meetings, provides valuable qualitative evidence that may help bridge the existing gap in this area of educational research.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1480889
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Past research has growingly shown importance of teacher candidates' ability to connect theory and practice for applying what they have acquired in coursework into practice. This study examined 23 mathematics teacher candidates' (TCs) ability to link coursework and online mathematics teaching field experiences in a mathematics teacher education program. Data included transcripts of 24 videotaped lesson plan meetings before the TCs' online teaching for one semester and transcripts of 9 videotaped whole group discussions after the TCs' online teaching in the Online Laboratory School. Data also included TCs' short reflections written immediately after online teaching based on interesting and significant moments in their teaching. The results indicated that TCs often struggled to make connections between theory and practice, suggesting the need for teacher educators to offer more coursework integration opportunities in their assignments of mathematics teaching field experiences. This study, utilizing multiple data sources such as instructors' goals, TCs' reflections, lesson plans, and whole-group meetings, provides valuable qualitative evidence that may help bridge the existing gap in this area of educational research.
ISSN:2147-2858