Conceptions of high school students about mathematical connections to the real-life


Baki A., Catlioglu H., Costu S., Birgin O.

World Conference on Educational Sciences, Nicosia, CYPRUS, 4 - 07 February 2009, vol.1, pp.1402-1407 identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume: 1
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2009.01.247
  • City: Nicosia
  • Country: CYPRUS
  • Page Numbers: pp.1402-1407
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the conceptions of high school students about mathematical connections to the real-life. This study is a descriptive research using survey model. The study group consists of 159 high school students. The questionnaire developed by researchers comprises four parts. First three parts are 5-point Likert-type scales and the fourth part consists of open ended questions. Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. This study revealed that although the students perceived the process of connecting mathematics to the real-life as important, they perceived that this process was not implemented sufficiently. The examples given by the students as connected to the real-life were generally about numbers and these examples such as calculating and shopping were mostly poor. It is recommended that some amendments in mathematics classes in terms of both content and context should be implemented. These amendments would help students see the connection between real-life and mathematics. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved