Abstract:

It was aimed to support preschool teacher candidates' target views about early childhood mathematics education and it was aimed to evaluate manipulative material supported mathematics activities within the framework of the pre-service teachers' opinions. 20 preschool teacher candidates were included in the study. The study was conducted in preschools located in Usak province. Qualitative research methods were used in the study; observation and interview techniques were used to obtain the data. Each preschool teacher candidate planned two mathematical activities, which were regularly directed by the instructor. Two different materials were used in the two planned activities; worksheet and manipulative materials. Pre-service teachers presented the activity in the classroom environment to the other pre-service teachers and the instructor of the course; then, they applied these activities in preschools which voluntarily involved in the research. Data were collected through observation and video recording methods in order to evaluate the effectiveness process in the applications and the records were examined and interpreted together with the instructor and other prospective teachers. As a result of the research, in the interviews with the prospective teachers, they stated that their opinions about early mathematics education changed and they became aware of misconceptions about mathematics education; According to the observation results, it was concluded that children were not interested in math activities using worksheets and they were more active in activities using manipulative materials.

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