Evaluation of a context-based problem by pre-service elementary school mathematic teachers by using benckert criteria

This research aims to study pre-service elementary school mathematics teachers’ evaluation of a problem suitable for context-based learning. In this regard, pre-service elementary school mathematics teachers evaluated a given problem according to the principles of Benckert (1997) and expressed their opinions accordingly. Therefore, the case study method, which includes quantitative and qualitative data, was used in the study. In the study, Context-Based Problem Evaluation Form (CBPEF) developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Quantitative data of the research were evaluated by using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were evaluated by the content analysis method. The participants of the study are 24 (17 female, 7 male) students who study in the Elementary School Mathematics Teacher Education Department of Education Faculty of a medium-sized university located in Turkey's Southeast Anatolia during the 2017-2018 spring semester. As a result of the analysis of the research data, pre-service elementary mathematics teachers’ question sentences about the problem and the concepts that were accomplished in mathematics were determined. In addition, as a result of the answers given by pre-service elementary mathematics teachers, it has been concluded that the problem is in compliance with the context-based learning principles, and the candidates believe that the problem will contribute to teaching mathematics. Within the framework of the findings obtained in the study, it was proposed to explore the effects of context-based learning and non-context-based learning on variables such as success, encouragement, and motivation.