The Development of Non-Formal Learning Organization Skills in Preservice Math Teachers

Year 2024, , 255 - 266, 27.10.2024

Melike Tural Sönmez

https://doi.org/10.31458/iejes.1505901

Abstract

Although the effects of out-of-school learning on students' learning have attracted significant attention among education researchers in science and social sciences, little is known about the development of pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' skills in utilizing out-of-school learning in mathematics lessons. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of activities conducted within the scope of the out-of-school learning environments in mathematics education on pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' skills in organizing non-formal learning. The study utilized a sequential explanatory design, which is a mixed-method approach. The quantitative part of the research employed a "single-group pretest-posttest design without a control group" from experimental designs. This study involved 35 third-year teacher candidates enrolled in the Primary Education in Math Program (PREDMAP) at a state university located near Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. The data collection instrument used in the study was the Out-of-School Learning Regulation Scale (OOSLRS). Additionally, teacher candidates were asked to write reflective essays about their thoughts on the program at the end of the study. The analyses revealed that prior to the program, pre-service math teachers had the highest scores in the knowledge dimension and the lowest scores in the implementation dimension of organizing out-of-school learning. Significant differences were found in the pretest scores of preservice math teachers only in the knowledge dimension based on their previous experiences in organized out-of-school learning environments during their educational lives. Significant improvements favoring the post-test application were observed across all dimensions between pretest and posttest scores. Data from reflective essays written by the preservice math teachers indicated their emphasis on active participation and included suggestions particularly in the implementation dimension.

Keywords

Non- formal learning, out of school learning, teacher tarining, math education

Ethical Statement

18.10.2022 tarihli 10. oturumda saat 12.30 'da Kırıkkale Üniversitesi Sosyal ve Beşeri Bilimler Araştırmaları Etik Kurulunda araştırma izni alınmıştır.

Supporting Institution

Kırıkkale Üniversitesi

Project Number

2023/009 nolu Bap projesi yayınıdır.

Thanks

Araştırmama destek olan Kırıkkale Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesine ve Bap birimine, Ankara Millet Kütüphanesi, Ziraat Bankası Müzesi ve Kırıkkale Bilim Merkezinde öğretmen adaylarına rehberlik eden çalışanlara teşekkür ederim.

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