Developing mathematics teacher confidence through increasing understanding of mathematics

Developing mathematics teacher confidence through increasing understanding of mathematics

Dr. Jennifer Holm, from Wilfrid Laurier University, walks us through the importance of developing mathematics teacher confidence through increasing understanding of mathematics. Effective mathematics teaching requires mathematics teachers who have the confidence and knowledge to support all learners in developing an understanding of mathematics. Concerns about the teaching and learning of mathematics have been ubiquitous in both the media and in ministries of education. In my research, I have focused on exploring why many mathematics teachers struggle with their own confidence in teaching the subject. A key issue I have identified is the widespread belief that the more mathematics a teacher knows, the more confident they will be in the classroom.