An Investigation into Secondary School Students' Skills in Using Symbols, Operations, Concepts and Rules in Mathematical Modeling Applications

Abstract

This study aims to examine the symbols, operations, rules and generalizations used by sixth grade students in mathematical modeling processes. Using the Teaching Experiment method, data was collected through student worksheets and video recordings. Analyzes showed that students correctly used previously learned symbols such as +, =, /, discovered new symbols, and applied their own strategies during modelling. Mathematical modeling activities helped students make interdisciplinary connections and relate concepts to daily life. The students correctly used the concepts they had previously learned and discovered new concepts, but it was determined that they needed more time and practice to generalize. The study emphasizes the importance of applying mathematical modeling activities frequently and with a variety of topics.