Using TIMSS to Improve the Undergraduate Preparation of Mathematics Teachers

Resumen

This paper looks at how the research from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) can help prepare undergraduate preservice mathematics teachers for success in teaching mathematics. The findings from TIMSS provide implications for better practices which can improve the preparation of future teachers to teach mathematics in a more effective and
researched based-manner. The authors feel that if preservice teachers are better prepared for teaching mathematics and have a strong mathematical foundation along with knowledge of the TIMSS, their future students will be better prepared, in terms of their mathematics achievement and attitudes, to experience success in our technological and mathematical world. This paper provides ten recommendations for teacher educators based on TIMSS findings which outline specific suggestions and ramifications for preservice teachers to aid in being effective educators for future students in the USA.