The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on pre-service teachers’ mathematical perceptions and motivation at a selected higher education institution in South Africa

Tiny Simayi () and Benjamin Tatira ()

Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 2025, vol. 9, issue 8, 1671-1683

Abstract: There is a need for knowledge that contributes to the development of educational resilience and enhances the understanding of the complex relationships among teacher education, mathematics educators, and learner outcomes. This study investigated the perceptions and motivation of pre-service teachers in learning mathematics in the post-COVID-19 era. It employed a qualitative research methodology to explore pre-service teachers’ perceptions and motivation. Data were collected through both closed- and open-ended questionnaires from a case study involving twenty pre-service teachers, providing insights into their experiences. The findings indicated significant declines in mathematical performance and motivation to learn mathematics, accompanied by increased anxiety and decreased confidence. Additionally, the study revealed that pre-service teachers face challenges such as limited practice opportunities, lack of group work, and difficulties adapting to e-learning systems. Despite these challenges, they were motivated by factors such as problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and the importance of mathematics in daily life. This research underscores the importance of motivation, adaptation, and support in facilitating effective mathematics learning among pre-service teachers, even under challenging circumstances. The findings have important implications for teacher education programs and policymakers aiming to optimize support for pre-service teachers during times of academic crisis.

Keywords: COVID-19; Experiences; Higher education institutions; Mathematics; Motivation; Perceptions; Pre-service teachers. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://learning-gate.com/index.php/2576-8484/article/view/9691/3165 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajp:edwast:v:9:y:2025:i:8:p:1671-1683:id:9691

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology from Learning Gate
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Melissa Fernandes ().