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Research Summary: Ontological beliefs as predictors of instructional practices among preservice mathematics teachers: evidence from a Ghanaian University

Original authors
Attribution requires verification
Original source
Frontiers in Education
Summary & Analysis prepared by
Aziz Shuaib Ausi
Resource type
Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
Resource published on AZIZ OS
7 September 2026
Last updated
22 September 2026
Reading time
1 min
Publication type
Knowledge Resource
Availability
Open access
About this Summary & Analysis

AZIZ OS provides independently prepared summaries and analytical interpretations of externally published research and knowledge sources. The underlying works remain attributable to their original authors and rights holders. This resource is intended to improve accessibility and understanding and does not replace the original publication.

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A study conducted at a public university in Ghana investigated the relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers' ontological beliefs and their instructional practices. The research highlights a recognized gap in empirical evidence regarding this influence, particularly within Sub-Saharan African educational contexts. Utilising a quantitative cross-sectional survey with 312 participants, the study aimed to determine if these beliefs significantly predict mathematics teaching practices, guided by Ernest's Philosophy of Mathematics Education.

Why it matters

Understanding the foundational beliefs of educators is critical as these beliefs can profoundly shape pedagogical approaches and, consequently, educational outcomes. This research addresses a significant gap in regional data, providing insights into factors influencing teacher effectiveness and curriculum implementation in specific educational systems. Such insights can inform strategic development in teacher training and professional development programs.

Key insights

  • Teachers' beliefs about mathematics are acknowledged as significant influences on instructional decision-making.
  • Empirical evidence concerning the role of ontological beliefs in shaping mathematics teaching practices is limited.
  • This limitation is particularly pronounced in Sub-Saharan African contexts, such as Ghana.
  • The study specifically examined whether pre-service mathematics teachers' ontological beliefs statistically predict their teaching practices.
  • The research involved 312 Level 300 pre-service mathematics teachers from a Ghanaian public university.
  • A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, using a researcher-developed questionnaire.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1933283

Citation

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Verification ID
ASA-EXE-2026-00189
Version
v1.0 · r0
Issued
7 September 2026
Resource prepared by
Aziz Shuaib Ausi
Resource status
Research Summary / Knowledge Resource
Underlying work
Ontological beliefs as predictors of instructional practices among preservice mathematics teachers: evidence from a Ghanaian University
Original authors
Attribution requires verification
Original source
Frontiers in Education
Provenance status
Attribution requires verification
Rights
Underlying publication rights remain with the respective copyright holder(s). Refer to the original source for authoritative publication and licensing information.

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