Measuring Professional Competence for the Teaching of Mathematical Modelling

This book offers a structural model and test instrument for analyzing teaching competences in mathematical modelling, enhancing teacher education.

This open access book introduces a structural model along with a corresponding test instrument aimed at providing a comprehensive analysis of professional competences necessary for teaching mathematical modelling. Drawing on the COACTIV model, the text explores various aspects, areas, and facets of teachers' professional competences, ensuring a thorough understanding of the skills required in this challenging educational domain.

The manual not only outlines essential teaching skills relevant to application-oriented contexts, but it also equips educators with the necessary tools to assess these competences effectively. It elaborates on the objectives and potential application areas of the instrument, detailing the development process of the test. Furthermore, the book discusses implementation strategies and evaluates the quality and outcomes of the structural equation analysis conducted on the proposed model.

Teaching mathematical modelling presents significant cognitive challenges for both current and future educators. Therefore, a meticulous examination of the professional competences required in this area is crucial for teacher education programs. The book presents an innovative instrument that successfully measures these competences, based on a sample of 349 prospective teachers, providing valuable insights for educators and researchers alike.