THE USE OF EXAMPLES IN MATHEMATICS TEACHING: BASIC DEFINITIONS, CONCEPTS AND APPROACHES

The use of examples in mathematics and its contributions to the learning of mathematics has been receiving both international and national attention recently. Mathematical examples are widely studied in the international literature with their classifications or the development and use of theoretical frameworks. However examples were limitedly studied in the national level. This study aims to review the literature of mathematical examples from a historical and pedagogical approach. The various classifications of examples and the theoretical framework are introduced. In addition the national studies conducted about the topic are reviewed to draw an overview about the trends. According to the results of this study, although there has been increased national interest in the subject in the last two decades, it has been determined that the studies carried out are limited and generally examined at secondary and undergraduate levels. The results of the national studies examined point out the finding of the limited and poor use of examples in the teaching contexts. The current study also gives insights for future research. The most basic suggestions are the extensive use of examples in teaching settings and books and the effects on student learning and widespread studies in the primary level