Abstract
This study examines how 98 prospective secondary mathematics teachers (PTs) from five Spanish universities conceptualize professional orientation (PO) and task orientation (TO), and the extent to which both domains are integrated in their reflections after completing a one-year teacher education program. Using a qualitative approach, the study analyzed PTs’ written reflections on mathematical and pedagogical knowledge and how it is applied in classroom practice for effective mathematics teaching. Results show a predominance of PO over TO. Key categories such as curriculum interpretation, specialized mathematical knowledge, collaborative participation, and challenging tasks appeared less frequently. Although some PTs integrated PO and TO categories, they emphasized what mathematics teachers should know more than how this knowledge is translated into classroom practice. The findings highlight the need to strengthen opportunities within initial teacher education to connect mathematical and pedagogical knowledge with classroom practice, particularly through practice-based experiences.
License
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Type: Research Article
EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 22, Issue 10, October 2026, Article No: em2923
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/19395
Publication date: 25 Sep 2026
Article Views: 19
Article Downloads: 7
Open Access References How to cite this article
Full Text (PDF)