The development of mathematical competences in Hungarian teacher training education

In this paper we present research results on the assessment of K1-4 (pupils from age 7 to age 10) teacher training student’s mathematical knowledge and competences as one of the most important parameters of school teaching quality. Teachers’ abilities in grades K1-4 are among the most important in-school factors influencing the quality of pupils’ learning. A large-scale longitudinal study was conducted in which the elementary mathematical knowledge and skills of a group of teacher training students from 5 different institutes was assessed by means of a paper and pencil test that was administered both at the beginning and at the end of their second year mathematical course in the 2016/2017 academic year. This course is a methodical course in some institutions, which has an essential influence on the final results of this research. The 27-item-test covered the new standards for mathematics in the K1-4 elementary school curriculum. We have observed that those students coming from institutions providing separate methodical courses can gain better knowledge in explaining simple mathematical relations and notions than those students whose institutions do not provide methodical background in specific course