Evaluation of primary school mathematics textbooks and workbooks concerning constructivist approaches.

In the conducted research, Primary 4th grade mathematics textbook and workbook has been surveyed for the purpose of evaluating the constructivist approach level.The universe of the research is formed by textbooks and workbooks published since educational year of 2007 - 2008 from six different publishers that are accredited from "Board of Education" of "Ministry of National Education". Three different publishers are selected from six different publishers by random method in order to specify one textbook and one workbook from each publisher.Qualitative method is used throughout the research. Formerly the characteristics of mathematics lesson, textbook and workbook is evaluated by using literature review and latterly assessment scale is formed to examine mathematics textbook and workbook concerning constructivist approach. In the research process, Primary 4th grade mathematics textbooks and workbooks were examined by using assessment scale. The investigation has shown that all of three text books and workbooks level of conformity regarding constructivist learning approach is inadequate in general.Obtained results are summarized below:The content of text books (preliminary studies, examples, exercises, subject presentations, questions, activities) has ordinarily shown that there is a relation between presentations of subjects and student daily life, however, two aspects are specified as insufficient, one of that is student gaining's including developing of abilities to express mathematical thoughts and the other one is to obtain ability for the usage of different learning strategies suitable for constructivist approach.Addition of these, deficiencies also examined which are associated with activities appointed to students regarding improving of high level of thinking skills and constructing of new individual knowledge by activation of existing knowledge.Data that can be obtained from visual materials of text books insufficient in order to perform activities by students. In addition, visual materials for bringing images to student mind and improving imagination is not considered.It is evaluated that the assessment scales formed in textbooks are not capable for students to acknowledge the requirements to better learning, providing feedback and the needs to involve in social communication. Additionally, questions, problems and activities are not included in assessment scales which necessitates using tables, graphics and diagramsPlays, puzzles and entertaining activities are included in workbooks, however, it is determined that the amount of these are insufficient. Regarding of facilities for students to share thoughts, fostering group activities and irregular problems are not comprised in work books.Following recommendations are attained from this research:In the process of preparing mathematics textbook and workbook, studies must be carried out with specialists working on constructivist approach. When surveying textbooks and workbooks, commission from Board of Education of Ministry of National Education must consider constructivist approach criteria?s.