Epistemological Perceptions among Mathematics Teachers about Mathematical Concepts

Abstract

The current study aims to investigate the epistemological perceptions of conceptual knowledge among a sample of mathematics teachers. The sample was composed of thirty-three (33) teachers of mathematics at different stages of general education in the city of Majmaah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The researcher adopted the descriptive analytical method and questionnaire as tools to collect information about epistemological perceptions of conceptual knowledge. Data collection and analysis showed that epistemological perceptions of the conceptual knowledge of mathematics teachers in general education stages on the nature of mathematical concepts and their learning were high. Furthermore, the results showed statistically significant differences in epistemological perceptions due to the variables of educational level and teaching experience, while no statistically significant differences were found with respect to the educational qualification variable. The study has made a number of recommendations. Most importantly, the Ministry should hold training courses for teachers of mathematics in general education stages with the aim of promoting their epistemological perceptions and beliefs about the nature of the conceptual knowledge.

Keywords: Epistemological Perceptions, Mathematics Teacher, Mathematical Concepts