Quantitative Analysis of Pre-service Elementary Mathematics Teachers' Opinions about Doing Mathematical Proof


Iskenderoglu T. A., Baki A.

KURAM VE UYGULAMADA EGITIM BILIMLERI, vol.11, no.4, pp.2285-2290, 2011 (SSCI) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Journal Name: KURAM VE UYGULAMADA EGITIM BILIMLERI
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.2285-2290
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Meaning and importance of proof in mathematics and education increases gradually. Therefore levels of doing proof, proof-related opinions and perceptions of the teachers and pre-service teachers who will train the students in future are of importance. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the proof-related opinions of pre-service elementary mathematics teachers who still study at different grade levels. In line with this purpose. a questionnaire developed under the title "Questionnaire for Constructing Mathematical Proof" was used to determine the pre-service teachers' opinions about proof. The questionnaire comprises 27 items based on 5 point Likert-type. In the study, developmental research method was conducted and the questionnaire was applied to 187 pre-service elementary mathematics teachers from different grade levels. As a result of the study, it was revealed that pre-service teachers have positive views about proof. Also, the study revealed that confidence of pre-service teachers in proving is lower than mental process, self-assessment and belief, and attitude factors.