Abstract:

The aim of this study is to determine secondary school students’ views regarding the mathematical modeling method and classroom practices of this method. Case study design, being one of qualitative research designs, was used in this study. The study was conducted with eight secondary school students who were selected among the classrooms in which mathematical modeling tasks were performed. The semistructured interview form was used as the data collection tool. Content analysis was used in analyzing the data. At the end of the study, the students stated that the mathematical modeling problems presented by the preservice teachers were more comprehensible, interesting and challenging compared to the mathematical problems that they had encountered before in the courses. Furthermore, they stated that they realized the function of mathematical concepts in real world in mathematical modeling problems; that they were able to represent a real world situation via mathematical equations and formulas; that the group study was very useful; and that they found it positive to feature such problems in the courses

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