A Multicultural View of Mathematics Male - Teachers at Israeli Primary Schools
Source: International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 23–43.
This study explores motives and role perception of primary school male - teachers who are Israeli - born , Ethiopians, immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Bedouins and are teaching mathematics at the south of Israel. The research method is based on qualitative - interpretive approach of case study type. The results illustrate common features of all teachers and at the same time differences between the cultural groups. The contribution of this study to mathematics teacher education resides in understanding motives and role perception of primary school male - teachers. It is recommended building teacher education programs that highlight the valued - social aspect, mathematics content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge.
The main research conclusions of this study are that the motives and perceptions of male - teachers choosing to teach mathematics at primary school are varied, comprising extrinsic, intrinsic and ideological - altruistic motives and perceptions. Moreover, mathematics male - teachers from different cultures perceive the subject of mathematics in a different way. The Israeli society, which constitutes a meeting point of demographic and cultural differentiation, requires a flexible system in compliance with the fabric of cultures and the Ministry of Education policy.
Based on the research findings, it is recommended planning teacher education and professional - mathematical development programs which highlight the valued - social aspect of the mathematics teaching profession. Such programs may convince men to choose this profession. As mentioned before, an increase in the number of male - teachers in the education system will bring about an educational and social balance in the class and at school, increasing teachers' prestige in the Israeli society. Moreover, the researchers recommend investigating further the teaching - learning of primary school mathematics male - teachers from various cultures. This may constitute a key to a change in the subject perception and its teaching as well as promote primary school learners' attainments.