Exploring the Perspectives of Preservice Filipino Mathematics Teachers: Basis for a Proposed Educational Belief Model

Abstract

This research explores the educational beliefs of select fourth-year preservice Filipino mathematics teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Education major in Mathematics program in the second semester of the 2022–2023 academic year in a state university in Bulacan, Philippines, via qualitative-exploratory research. Three qualitative tools were used: a metaphor construction task, unstructured questions, and a drawing task. Thematic analysis and intercoder reliability checking were implemented. Based on the findings, the first theme, the teacher as a knowledge dispenser belief, features the imperative conduct of the dispensation of knowledge; the second theme, the teacher as a reliable improver belief, highlights the formation of space for student participation after dispensing knowledge; the third theme, teacher as an equity promoter belief, highlights the significance of addressing the needs of the students while dispensing knowledge; and the last theme, teacher as a strategic scaffolder belief, highlights combining, extending, and maximizing all knowledge, experiences, and learning opportunities to align with and attain learning objectives. The teacher-as-knowledge dispenser belief is more teacher-centered, the teacher-as-reliable improver and teacher-as-equity promoter beliefs are mixed teacher-centered and student-centered, and the teacher-as-strategic scaffolder belief is more student-centered. Keywords: educational belief model, mathematics teaching, preservice teachers, student-centered, teacher beliefs, teacher-centered