Examination of LGS mathematics questions between 2019-2023 based on TIMSS cognitive areas, Mathematics Curriculum and MATH taxonomy

The aim of this study is to analyze 100 mathematics questions asked in the central exams held within the scope of the High School Transition System (LGS) between 2019 and 2023, according to Mathematics Curriculum (MÖP) acquisitions, TIMSS cognitive areas, Mathematics taxonomy groups and categories. The study carried out for this purpose was designed according to the case study, one of the qualitative research designs. While examining the research data, a table containing the acquisitions of the 5th-8th grade middle school mathematics curriculum, coding schemes created according to the TIMSS cognitive areas and the groups and categories of the MATH taxonomy were used. A review matrix with percentage and frequency values was used to compare the data. The questions constituting the research data were categorized and analyzed by two mathematics teachers who are experts in the field of curriculum and instruction based on the acquisitions of the mathematics curriculum, TIMSS cognitive areas and MATH taxonomy. According to the research results, it was determined that questions were asked from each of the five learning areas in the Mathematics Curriculum every year, and only in the 2020 LGS exam due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in the 2023 LGS exam due to the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş in Turkey, questions from the geometry and measurement areas were not asked. It was determined that the learning areas with the most questions in the exams were the numbers and operations learning area and the algebra learning area. Mathematics questions in the LGS exams were asked mostly from the application cognitive area of TIMMS cognitive areas. According to the MATH taxonomy, it was determined that questions suitable for groups B and C, which require the use of higher-order thinking skills, were given more place in the LGS exams. According to the MATH taxonomy, questions from the A3-routine operations and B2-application to new situations categories were included the most in the LGS exams.