A study on developing an education module on the solvability of polynomial equations for preservice mathematics teachers

Objectives This study aims to develop an education module related to polynomial equation solving that helps preservice teachers' motivation to learn abstract algebra. Methods Edelson's design research theory was applied to initially develop an education module to include opportunities for preservice teachers to practice teaching mathematics, followed by an experiment with two preservice teachers, and then a final module was developed by surveying two inservice teachers and two experts in teaching algebra to preservice teachers about improvements to the module. Results The results of the experiment showed that both preservice teachers were more motivated to learn abstract algebra after experiencing the module. The two inservice teachers and two experts provided various comments on how the module could be improved and agreed on the need for further research on the development of such education modules for preservice teachers. Conclusions The experiment with preservice teachers have shown that the education module including opportunities for mathematical pedagogical practice is effective in increasing preservice teachers' motivation to learn abstract algebra. The development of such education module to expose preservice teachers to various aspects of mathematics education related to abstract algebra is expected to improve their perceptions of the subject as difficult and unrelated to school mathematics.