EXAMINING EPISTEMOLOGICAL BELIEFS IN EXPLAINING MATHEMATICS TEACHERS’ APPROACHES IN MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine epistemological beliefs in explaining the mathematical modelling approaches of mathematics teachers. In the study, basically dominated by a qualitative approach, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered concurrently from 35 mathematics teachers who work in Ġzmir and after analysis process while interpreting the findings they were combined and compared. Qualitative data were gathered from written answer sheets of mathematics teachers on mathematical modelling problem while quantitative data were gathered from epistemological belief scale and written answer sheets with the help of the rubric prepared by researchers. In quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis; in quantitative analysis descriptive analysis were applied. It was seen that there is a weak relationship between epistemological beliefs of mathematics teachers and their approaches in mathematical modelling and also epistemological beliefs predict approaches in the process in weak or moderate level. It was also seen that mathematics teachers who have a high level of epistemological belief have success in specific modelling approaches such as identifying assumptions, strategizing, interpreting and verification. It is believed that more detailed results can be obtained with studies including different modelling types and comprehensive data analysis.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Studies on Education
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
January 23, 2016
Submission Date
October 2, 2015
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2016 Volume: 12 Number: 1