Greek-Cypriot elementary teachers' epistemological beliefs about mathematics

Citation

Xenofontos C (2018) Greek-Cypriot elementary teachers' epistemological beliefs about mathematics. Teaching and Teacher Education, 70, pp. 47-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2017.11.007

Abstract
Drawing on data from the Republic of Cyprus, this paper uncovers elementary teachers' epistemological beliefs about mathematics. Twenty-two experienced teachers were invited to individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic data-driven analyses identified three themes and eight sub-themes, which I discuss, taking their socio-cultural context into consideration. This study suggests that applying predetermined frameworks directly taken from the literature when examining teachers’ epistemological beliefs in mathematics can be problematic, as they might hinder other culturally specific beliefs from emerging. In closing, this paper presents some implications for the results on teacher education and professional development, as well as ideas for future research.

Keywords
Epistemological beliefs; Elementary teachers; Mathematics; Republic of Cyprus

Journal
Teaching and Teacher Education: Volume 70

People

Dr Constantinos Xenofontos

Lecturer, Education