Teaching approaches for ordinary differential equations and opinions of instructors

The aim if this thesis is to examine the approaches used in the teaching of ordinary differential equations undergraduate and graduate level in universities in Turkey and the difficulties experienced by students in these courses based onthe views of the instructors. The participants of the study consisted of 18 faculty members who have been or have conducted ordinary differential equations courses in the faculties of science, science-literature, engineering and education of ten different state universities. The data of the study was collected by a written opinion form. The data obtained from the written opinion form were analyzed descriptively. It was seen that almost all of the lecturers used analytical approach, preferred procedural questions in their courses and some of them used computer programs. Accordingly, it can be said that the approach used in this field in our country is analytical approach. The lecturers stated the lack of knowledge in mathematical concepts such as derivative, differential and integral which are necessary for differential equations as the main reason why students have difficulties in differential equations courses. It is concluded that the readiness level of the students for differential equations is not sufficient due to lack of knowledge of derivative and integral subjects.