Mathematics teaching practice assessment using student-teacher portfolios

Abstract

The mathematics student-teacher portfolio is used to document information about mathematics teaching, student-teacher progress through stages of experimentation and achievements during the teacher preparation period. Generally, portfolios have been considered to be reflective tools where student- teachers reflect on why, what and how they teach to meet set objectives. This theoretical paper provides a background on the use of a portfolio in student-teacher teaching practice and its significance in teacher preparation by referring to the mathematics subject. The portfolio assessment procedures are outlined and the portfolio assessment instruments developed and discussed. At the end, the portfolio assessment manual is presented. The author recommends the use of a portfolio in assessing mathematics student-teachers to form a greater part of teaching practice assessment.