MIDDLE AND SECONDARY PRESERVICE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS' COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TIMSS VIDEOTAPE LESSON STUDY

Abstract

International comparative studies revealed that US students’ mathematics performance is not at the level of expectation of mathematics education community. The latest of such study is, Third international Mathematics Science Study-Repeat (TIMSS-R, 1999) continued show poor performance of US students in international arena. Total of 38 countries had participated in TIMSS-R and focus was the mathematics achievement of 8th graders. In TIMSS video study only 6 counties participated along with the US. Five participated in TIMSS 1999 video study outperformed the US in mathematics achievement. Since the teachers and their decisions on teaching plays significant role in students learning, future US mathematics teachers can learn from accomplished practices in international arena. The purpose of this study is to investigate preservice teachers’ analyses of such practices. The study is qualitative in nature. Data collection included students’ written analyses on videotaped lessons and follow up interviews.