Abstract:
This study explored the impact of mathematics methods courses, including practicum
experiences, on the level of mathematics anxiety experienced by pre-service elementary teachers.
Participants included 99 first and second year students completing a teacher education program at a
university in Nova Scotia. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data.
Mathematics anxiety was assessed using the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale-Short Version
(MARS-S) at the beginning and conclusion of a 12-week mathematics methods course. A short
questionnaire assessing the participants’ perceptions regarding the impact of the course and practicum
on their level of comfort with mathematics was also administered. Analysis of data revealed that a
large number of pre-service elementary teachers experience high levels of mathematics anxiety.
Furthermore, participation in a mathematics methods course and practicum contributed to a statistically
significant reduction in mathematics anxiety for pre-service teachers completing their first year of the
teacher education program (p < .05). There was no significant change in the level of mathematics
anxiety for the pre-service teachers in the second year of the program. Qualitative data indicated that
the majority of pre-service teachers perceived the mathematics course and practicum as having a
positive impact on their level of comfort with mathematics. The findings of this study have important
implications for professors and administrators in teacher education.
