Exploring classroom teachers' opinions on materials that can be used in mathematics lessons

Tangible materials are defined as objects that can be handled and moved in order to reach a solution to a problem in a certain area. In this study, it was aimed to obtain the opinions of classroom teachers about the concrete materials they use in mathematics lessons and to examine their classroom observations. The study focused on teachers' views on the materials they prefer, the process of obtaining these materials, how they use the materials in the classroom, and the effects of material use on the classroom environment. The study was conducted in the second semester of the 2023-2024 academic year with face-to-face interviews with 30 classroom teachers working in five different primary schools in the central district of Bolu province. In order to obtain in-depth data, five selected teachers were also observed in the classroom environment. The data were analyzed by content analysis method. As a result of the research, it was determined that classroom teachers used materials mostly in the field of Numbers and Operations learning and the most preferred material was the clock. It was determined that the materials were used intensively in the reinforcement and discovery steps of the lesson plan and that students' use of materials was ensured through group work in the classroom. It was seen that the teachers mostly recognized and learned the materials in their professional life and that they provided the materials they used from their own budgets. It was determined that the teachers agreed that the materials attracted the attention of the students and that they preferred virtual learning objects as well as concrete materials.