Online support for preservice mathematics teachers in schools

This paper describes the development of a web-based resource designed to support preservice mathematics teachers on school practice. The development of the site resulted in part from a needs analysis conducted with a focus group of students. The purpose of the focus group discussion was to gain from the students their ideas about the type of support that would be most helpful to them as they prepare to teach mathematics lessons, and how the university might be able to assist in these sometimes prolonged periods in school where they are without their traditional support structures. As a result of these discussions, the website was developed and refined to provide a comprehensive resource to suit their needs while on professional practice. Elements of the site, together with potential further developments and research, are described.