Elementary pre-service teacher knowledge and transfer of mathematics intervention practices

The purpose of this study was to examine how elementary pre-service teachers’ transferred mathematics instructional practices learned in a methods course at the university to a field-based classroom setting using response to intervention (RTI) methodology. Pre-service teachers (PSTs) implemented a required Mathematics Interaction Project with small groups of elementary students in the field. The project consisted of initiating a screening instrument on a targeted math skill, providing four to six intervention lessons, and then tracking student progress using formative and summative assessment measures. Data were generated through document analysis of the MIP reflection submissions and focus group interviews with 22 participants. Findings indicate that most PSTs’ transferred mathematics instructional practices such as manipulative use, lesson planning, and assessment to the field-based setting. However, only candidates with a background in special education saw the process specifically tied to response to intervention.