Smart Minds in Math: The TPACK Advantage of Educators’ Cognitive Abilities

Abstract

With the advent of the 21st century, as in the entire teaching-learning process, the subject
mathematics plays a dominant role. It becomes important for mathematics teachers
to ensure the optimum learning of students by upgrading their abilities especially in
the field of technology. This paper attempts to unlock the impact of cognitive abilities
of mathematics educators on their Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge
(TPACK). The cognitive abilities namely, analytical, evaluative and creative abilities of
mathematics educators are explored in the present study in context to mathematics
subject. The TPACK test for mathematics teachers and the cognitive factors test are
validated instruments used in the study to collect information from 189 elementary
mathematics educators of Punjab (India) through a survey method. The data were
analysed through percentage analysis, product moment correlation and s-estimation
approach of Robust Least Square Regression. In the present study, the cognitive abilities
of the mathematics educators are explored extensively. The study unveils the significant
impact of cognitive abilities of mathematics educators on their TPACK. It is suggested to
take concrete initiatives in the direction of development of cognitive abilities and TPACK
among the mathematics educators.