How Pre-Service Elementary Teachers Deal with Mathematical Literacy Problems? A Case Study

Abstract

Pre-service elementary teachers (PSETs) must understand in-depth mathematical concepts and procedures. Still, they must also improve their mathematical ability and skills in solving mathematical problems and applying them in all aspects of life. Such mathematical capacity is known as mathematical literacy. This study aimed to describe the mathematical ability of PSETs in solving mathematical literacy problems. The mathematisation process carried out by PSETs is the main focus that will be observed and explored. Some Errors and obstacles PSETs face in struggling to solve mathematical literacy problems are also described. This study is expected to make a valuable contribution to designing learning or other professional development programs for PSETs related to mathematical literacy. The qualitative method with a case study design was used in this research. Data were collected using tests (the sequences of PISA and PISA-like problems in moderate and most difficult levels) and interviews from 77 PESTs of the primary teacher education program at a private university in Banda Aceh. The results showed that the ability of PSETs in solving mathematical literacy problems was still low. Most of them are still very constrained in formulating real-life problems into mathematics. However, the lack of knowledge of related mathematics topics also needs to be considered.