Metaphorical Perceptions of Vocational High School Students on Mathematical Problem Solving

Authors : Fikret CİHAN, Hatice AKKOÇ

Pages : 102-117

View : 107 | Download : 57

Publication Date : 2023-05-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Since problem solving has an important place in university level mathematics courses, determining university students\` perceptions about problem solving can contribute to the field. In this regard, the aim of this study is to determine the mathematical problem solving perceptions of vocational high school students through metaphors. The case survey method was preferred for this study. Participants were 234 students studying in various programs of a vocational high school of a public university in Turkey in the fall semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. “Mathematical Problem Solving Metaphor Survey” were used as data collection tool. This survey included items that asked them to produce a metaphor for mathematical problem solving and its justification. Their written responses were analyzed using content analysis. Analysis of data indicated that participants produced 105 valid metaphors for mathematical problem solving. The most commonly used metaphors were “life”, “labyrinth”, “playing chess”, and “jigsaw puzzles”. Also, the metaphors produced by the participants were categorized under ten different conceptual categories. Metaphors were mostly gathered in the categories of “complicated” and “strategically progressive”. These categories have a statistically significant relationship with the programs in which the participants study at. Based on the categories, students’ perceptions of mathematical problem solving were discussed. Also, the study discusses instructional implications regarding how to change negative perceptions of students.
Keywords : Matematiksel problem çözme, metafor, algı, meslek yüksekokulu öğrencileri

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