The Effectiveness of Feedback Provided by Middle School Mathematics Teachers and Preservice teachers on Student Solutions: An Evaluative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the suggestions of middle school mathematics teachers and preservice mathematics teachers that can both correct errors in students’ incorrect solutions and contribute to the advancement of students who have provided correct solutions. The study is based on the case study method. Initially, six problems related to proportional reasoning were posed to middle school students in a public school, and the solutions obtained from the students were classified according to their proportional reasoning strategies. These solutions were then examined by the students' mathematics teachers and by preservice mathematics teachers. Two questions were asked to mathematics teachers and preservice mathematics teachers during these examinations. After the examination, interviews were conducted to discuss the suggestions made to (1) correct the errors in incorrect solutions and (2) advance the proportional reasoning skills of students who obtained correct solutions. The findings indicate that both mathematics teachers and preservice mathematics teachers were adequate in providing suggestions to correct errors in students’ incorrect solutions. However, it was also found that both groups had difficulties in making suggestions to further the advancement of students who provided correct solutions.