The Systematic Review of the Studies Conducted in Turkey on the Topic of Applying 3D Printing in Mathematics Education

Abstract

3D printing technology is increasingly widely used in all areas of STEM education. Many researchers emphasize that 3D printing in the context of mathematics education unpacks students' mathematical and design thinking, as well as helps them develop spatial skills, and is a key tool for visualizing mathematical concepts, especially in calculus and geometry. However, when the relevant literature is examined, it is seen that there is no existing systematic review that comprehensively describes and synthesizes the findings in the literature on how 3D printers are applied in mathematics education in the context of studies conducted in Turkey. The purpose of this research is to make a systematic review of the studies conducted between 2015-2023 in Turkey on the topic of applying 3D printing in mathematics education. The results of this study show that qualitative research method is more preferred in the analyzed studies. The predominant dependent variable employed in these investigations is mathematics achievement, with the majority of participants being middle school students. The results of this systematic review indicated that applying 3D printing in mathematics instruction usually helps to improve students’ mathematical literacy, and mathematical skills in the context of studies conducted in Turkey.