Pre-Service Teachers’ Competences in Applying Knowledge of Mathematics and Language in Mathematical Fiction

The article explores possibilities of integrating mathematics and language learning. The language of mathematics differs remarkably from everyday speech, which may cause some difficulties not only for primary students, but also for pre-service teachers. One of the methods to resolve this issue is integrating mathematics and language learning. This method also develops university students’ skills to apply didactic and subject knowledge. The article examines skills of pre-service teachers that are revealed in their fictional stories on a chosen mathematical subject. The analysis of mathematical fiction demonstrates that subject integration emphasizes students’ abilities to distinguish essential aspects of the chosen mathematical phenomenon, as well as how students are able to apply and explain concepts, and to adjust to age-specific target audience.