8th grade students' solving probability problems in Germany and Turkish textbooks

Probability is considered one of the most complex and challenging subjects for both teachers and students. The reasons for these difficulties in understanding probability include students focusing on memorizing formulas rather than understanding the subject, not understanding the questions sufficiently, developing negative attitudes towards probability-related concepts, and inadequacy of appropriate teaching materials. This study aims to compare how probability is handled in textbooks from Germany, which is ahead of Turkey in the TMMS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) ranking, and the problem-solving processes in these books. Within the scope of the study, the case study method was used to form the study group of four students in the researcher's class. As data collection tools, probability problems in Turkish and German textbooks, steps followed by students while solving these problems and interviews conducted with students during this process were used. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive analysis method. As a result of the research, it was determined that students generally gave correct answers to eight probability problems in Turkish textbooks, but reached wrong results by performing random operations in a few problems. On the other hand, it was observed that most of the students gave wrong answers in German textbooks and the correct solution rate was low. It was determined that wrong solutions were due to reasons such as students having difficulty understanding the problems, not being able to grasp the meaning of the terms and not being able to determine the correct operation steps.