Opinions of secondary school mathematics teachers on mathematical modelling

As in all over the world, developments and changes in science and technology are also continuing in an increasing way in our country, which naturally affects education programmes As a result of the new primary school programme put into action in 2005, new applications have been carried out in mathematics teaching programme. In the new programme one of the most important things to take into consideration is the fact that it is the first time that the terms mathematical model and modelling have been handled so comprehensively. In researches of mathematics education studies of mathematical model and modelling have attracted great concern. In our country there exist limited number of studies on mathematical model and modelling. Applied modelling survey and aptitude tests in order to have an idea about the opinions and abilities of third grade preservice mathematics teachers.When studies about mathematical modelling are observed it is seen that the studies generally focus on preservice teachers and there exist limited number of studies. Mathematical modelling has its place to a great degree in secondary school mathematics teaching programme. In that study ideas of secondary school mathematics teachers are observed. In the light of related literature no study has been encountered in that field, which shows the importance of this study. This study is thought to provide a significant data for prospective studies and contribute to mathematics education to a great degree. In this study interview technique, as a method of qualitative research, were applied in order to identify the opinions of secondary school mathematics teachers as to mathematical modelling. The participants of the study consist of 40 secondary school mathematics teachers working in the city centre of Bingöl in 2012-2013 education years. In the study as a means of data gathering semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher was applied. Analysis of the data consisted of two phases in the first of which descriptive analysis was applied so as to find out how the study could be concluded based on the data gathered. In the second phase method of content analysis was applied. According to the results of the study it has been concluded that level of knowledge of secondary school mathematics teachers as to mathematical modelling is not adequate ,the examples they have given for mathematical modelling have been chosen in parallel with those in the course book, time is not adequate for mathematical modelling, mathematical modelling is mostly used for fractions, students are seen to have increasing interest towards the course in the classes where mathematical modelling is used, mathematical modelling must be included in the programme and finally difficulty level of mathematical modelling varies from one topic to another. Key Words: Modelling, Mathematical Modelling, Process of Modelling