Examination of mathematics teachers' thoughts on mathematical modeling

In this study, the knowledge and thoughts of mathematics teachers about mathematical model and mathematical modeling and its applications were examined. The research was conducted with mathematics teachers working in public and private institutions affiliated to the National Education in every region of Turkey in the spring semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The exploratory mixed method was used in the research. The data were collected through the "Mathematical Modeling Scale (MMS)", "Mathematical Modeling Opinions Form (MMOF)" and semi-structured interview. The data obtained from the study were subjected to content analysis and descriptive analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was seen that most of the teachers did not have sufficient knowledge and thoughts on mathematical models and mathematical modeling, but their thoughts on the mathematical modeling process were positive. Again, teachers; He thinks that mathematical modeling is important for students, that they have sufficient application experience by applying it at least once a week in the classroom and that it is not difficult than other teaching methods. Finally, it was seen that mathematics teachers used the concept of modeling mathematics and the concepts of mathematical modeling interchangeably.