Why do Preservice Mathematics Teachers (think they) need to study Group Theory?

This study investigates the viewpoints of 20 preservice post-primary mathematics teachers taking a module of Group Theory in the final semester of their university teacher education programme. The purpose of the study was to investigate preservice mathematics teachers' perception of the value of studying a module in Group Theory and their perception of its relevance to the content they will teach at post primary school. The sample were surveyed again 12 months later, having taught at post primary level for almost a full academic year to see if their perspectives had changed. The findings are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]