RUME 28
2026
Alexandria, Virginia
Mathematical Dispositions of Pre-Service Elementary Teachers
Page: 1381
Dispositions include an individual’s behavioral, cognitive, and affective tendencies. Productive dispositions and a growth mindset lead to better learning outcomes, while unproductive dispositions result in avoidance, anxiety, and lack of confidence. Supporting the development of productive dispositions is therefore critical for improving students’ mathematical knowledge and achievement. This three-year study examines pre-service elementary teachers’ (PSETs’) mathematical dispositions during their first mathematics content course, focusing on four key constructs: mindset, self-efficacy, anxiety, and avoidance. We focus on PSETs as this population is reported to exhibit unproductive mathematical dispositions, which may negatively influence their learning of mathematics, their future teaching, and their students’ attitudes toward math. Data were collected via pre- and post-semester surveys, including validated scales for math anxiety, self-efficacy, growth mindset, and content knowledge in all three years. During the second and third years, students completed targeted in-class interventions guided by their instructors. Additionally, a subset of students (volunteers) participated in an eye-tracking study at the beginning and end of each semester. Eye-tracking technology was used to assess implicit visual behaviors during arithmetic tasks, offering insights into math-related anxiety and avoidance. Quantitative results revealed that students in the intervention semester showed a significantly greater decrease in math anxiety and significant gains in growth-oriented mindset and math content knowledge. Preliminary eye-tracking data suggest that students with higher math anxiety exhibit lower fixation rates and durations during arithmetic tasks, indicating potential visual avoidance. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to reduce math anxiety and foster productive dispositions among future educators.