Investigating Students' Problem Solving Achievements, the Modeling Steps reached and Modeler Types in the Process of Mathematical Modeling Activities

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify the effect of mathematical modeling activities applied as action plans on the development of students' achievement in solving algebraic verbal problems, as well as to investigate the mathematical modeling competencies they use during these mathematical modeling activities and the modeling steps they reach. Moreover, the types of mathematical modelers that the students demonstrated during this application process were examined in the study. The study was conducted as an action research with a total of 15 7th grade students in rural areas. It was aimed to reveal the mathematical modeling competencies that students achieved during mathematical modeling activities through observations, researcher and student diaries, as well as interviews conducted with students. Content analysis was implemented to analyze the data. During the study, the mathematical modeling competencies demonstrated by the students in each mathematical modeling activity and the mathematical modeling steps they reached were identified. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that students' mathematical modeling competencies were related to competencies such as general mathematical knowledge or verbal comprehension, and it was also revealed that students' mathematical knowledge competence could be examined in more detail. It was also observed that students could achieve competencies through group work and it was found that students' success in solving the verbal algebraic problems generally improved based on their mathematical modeling competencies.