Developing the prospective mathematics teachers’ didactical suitability analysis competence

Abstract

In this article we describe analyse and evaluate the implementation of an educational design to develop the prospective mathematics teacher’s didactical analysis and reflection competence. Planning of the experience, its implementation, and evaluation are based on the application of theoretical tools of the onto-semiotic approach. In several studies supported within this theoretical framework, the notion of didactical suitability as a tool of reflection on a study process has been developed and applied. In this sense, the main objective of the learning processes described here is that prospective teachers know and be competent in the application of this tool. The research scenario is a Master course for Secondary education mathematics teachers in which 27 students participated. The information gathered is based on the analysis of: observer-researcher and teacher-researcher’s annotations on the debate in the classroom, audio recordings and the participants’ responses throughout the design cycle. The a priori analysis of the educational situation reveals a high epistemic and ecological suitability; nevertheless, time constraints have conditioned an adequate learning achievement. Finally, the analysis of class episodes, using the tools described in this article, is revealed as an ideal educational strategy, but it should be complemented with situations focused on the development of other didactical competencies.