Mathematical modelling competencies of primary mathematics teacher candidates: The practising of Fermi problems

The purpose of this research is to examine the mathematical modelling competencies of primary mathematics teacher candidates in solving Fermi problems. In accordance with this purpose, the case study pattern from qualitative research patterns and also the holistic case pattern from the case study patterns were used. Teacher candidates were addressed to six Fermi problems. Firstly their modeling competencies were analyzed for each problem and then the comparisons were made. The study group was determined by the method of criterion sampling being of the purposive sampling methods in line with the holistic multi-state pattern. The research was conducted with five senior primary mathematics teacher candidates who are enrolled in the 'Mathematical Modeling' course of Balikesir University Primary Mathematics Education Undergraduate Program in the fall semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. Six Fermi problems, solution papers, video recordings, clinical interviews, field notes kept by the researcher, and reflective reports were used as the data collection tools. The obtained data were analyzed by descriptive analysis method. As a result of the research, it was determined that the most successful competency was understanding while the most unsuccessful competencies were interpretation and validation. Although the teacher candidates developed mathematical ideas for the solution, they could not create a mathematical model except for one study. It was determined that they made operational and unit errors while they were demonstrating their mathematical working and presentation competencies.