Development of Pre-Service Elementary Mathematics Teachers' Geometric Thinking Levels Through an Undergraduate Geometry Course

Abstract

In this study, it is investigated that development of pre-service elementary mathematics teachers' geometric thinking levels through an undergraduate course. Elementary mathematics teachers' geometric thinking levels are important for people whose particular interest area is preparing mathematics teachers. Participants of this study are 26 pre-service elementary mathematics teachers who attended an undergraduate geometry course. Geometric thinking levels of participants probed by framework of van Hiele geometric thinking levels. Pre-test was administered before starting the course. An undergraduate geometry course in which contains definitions, proofs and examples of fundamental geometric concepts. After this course, a post-test implemented to assess development of participants' geometric thinking levels. The results of this study reveal the need of assessment about development pre-service elementary mathematics teachers through their geometric thinking levels. Also according to findings it is suggested that mathematics teacher educators should revise their geometry courses to encourage growth in their students' geometric thinking levels.