Using Mathematical Models in Fraction Operations: A Case Study

The purpose of this qualitative study is the examination of pre-service teachers’ using mathematical models in the fraction operations. The study group consist of 29 pre-service teachers attending a state university's Primary Mathematics Teaching program and have taken mathematical modeling elective course. In the study, the Achievement Test, which was formed by the researcher was used as the data collection tool. At the end of the study, it has been observed that pre-service teachers can use all models successfully in the case of addition and subtraction operations, but have difficulty in using these models in multiplication and division operations. It has also been seen that pre-service teachers have difficulty in expressing the algorithm or meaning of the fraction operations and the relation of whole and fractional parts in the models. In relation to the results of the study, it is proposed that more specific courses are included in the curricula of teacher education programs, which will include the knowledge of teaching mathematics and how to teach specific concepts which the learners have difficulty to learn in mathematics