Investigating of pedagogical content knowledge of prospective mathematics teachers related to perimeter and area topics in the context of students? difficulties

This study aims at examining pedagogical content knowledge of prospective mathematics teachers related to perimeter and area topics in the context of students? difficulties.That is a case study, which is a qualitative research design. Study group contains five senior students attending Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Education, Department of Elementary Education, Mathematics Teaching in the academic year 2009-2010. The study group was determined by means of criterion sampling method, which is a purposive sampling method.Research data were collected by means of methods such as interview, observation and examination of documents. Firstly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five prospective teachers based on the interview form. Then, lecturing of five prospective teachers were observed in the schools where students went for internship within the scope of teaching practice course based on the lesson plans prepared beforehand. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used for analysis of the obtained data.Data analysis revealed that prospective teachers do not have adequate knowledge about students? difficulties and that even they have students? difficulties. In addition, obtained data showed that prospective teachers do not have adequate knowledge and skill in the matter of determination and elimination of students? difficulties.