Examining the effectiveness of the in-service training course designed for algebra teaching: An experimental research

This study was aimed at observing the effectiveness of the in-service training course to be taught for the "Material design self-efficacy beliefs of mathematics teachers" in the transition from arithmetic to algebra. For this purpose, an in-service training course was prepared for mathematics teachers at Bayburt University. With this study, the effectiveness of the in-service training course will be examined. This course lasted one week. It is an experimental study. The sample of the study consists of mathematics teachers who work in a province located in the eastern black sea region of Turkey and participated in the study voluntarily in the 2021-2022 academic years. The experimental sample group comprises 16 mathematics teachers who participated in the in-service training course, while the control group consists of 20 mathematics teachers who did not take part in the study. "Perception Scale for Transition from Arithmetic to Algebra" and "Material Design Self-Efficacy Belief Scale" were used to collect the data from the study. Pre-test and post-test scores were obtained by applying these two scales to both groups before and after the course. The analysis of the collected data was done with descriptive and predictive statistical methods. It was observed that the in-service training course, prepared according to the results obtained, was not sufficiently effective. In line with the results obtained from the study, suggestions were made for other academic study methodologies on the subject and to education stakeholders.