Determination of mathematics teacher candidates' mathematics cognitive practices in the context of mathematical judgment

The main purpose of this study is the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of mathematics cognitive practices of teacher candidates in primary mathematics teacher department in the context of mathematical judgment within the lesson that is done by using problem solution steps of Polya (1957).The study is carried out in Gazi University Education Faculty Primary Mathematics Teacher Department 2nd Class Students' "Problem Solution" lesson at 2012-2013 Spring Semester. In the study, the academic success exam prepared by researcher is used as quantitative data collection tool; the assessment form as 15 questions prepared by researcher as well is used as qualitative data collection tool.Education done by problem solution steps of Polya (1957) has been completed in 14 weeks at the study. In this process, problem solution steps of Polya (1957) was introduced to students and related problems was solved. Before exercise and after exercise the academic success exam prepared by researcher and after exercise the assessment form prepared by researcher as well were presented to student. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used as data collection tools.According to the solutions, teacher candidates' academic successes has increased after exercises. Moreover, students declared that they have improved themselves in problem solution steps and use these steps in future. Keywords: Mathematics Education, Cognitive Practices, Problem Solution