Examination of Elementary School Mathematics Teachers’ Mathematical Modelling Attitudes in Terms of Various Variables

Abstract

This study aims to examine elementary mathematics teachers' attitudes towards mathematical modelling in terms of various variables. The current study is particularly important as it is one of the few ones in our country to investigate this type of work, focusing on the attitudes of elementary mathematics teachers towards mathematical modelling across all sub-dimensions. A survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used, and the sample of the study consisted of 102 elementary mathematics teachers working at official secondary schools and official imam hatip secondary schools in Aydın province during the 2023-2024 academic year, determined through an appropriate sampling method. The Mathematical Modelling Attitude Scale was used as the data collection tool in the study. The research revealed that elementary mathematics teachers exhibit a low level of attitude towards mathematical modelling. Although their motivation sub-dimension towards mathematical modelling was high, the real-life sub-dimension was moderate, while the constructivism and understanding sub-dimensions were low. However, it was found that the sub-dimension and overall scores of the mathematical modelling attitude scale of elementary mathematics teachers did not differ according to gender, faculty of graduation, age, and professional experience, but they did differ according to level of education.