Secondary school mathematics teachers' opinions about educational materials: Van province example

Teachers opinions play an important role in enhancing the effectiveness of instructional materials and improving the quality of education. In this study, the opinions and usage of educational materials by middle school mathematics teachers working in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the province of Van were evaluated. In this study, the opinions and usage of educational materials of secondary school mathematics teachers working in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Van province were evaluated. "In this research, a qualitative research method was adopted, and the study was designed in accordance with the case study approach. In this context, the data set to be used in the study was determined through the convenience sampling method. The data set was formed through semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 middle school mathematics teachers selected within this scope. In preparing the interview questions, preliminary interviews were first conducted with mathematics teachers, and the questions determined with the support of an expert and an academic were then evaluated. Through these questions, it was aimed to determine how teachers use materials in mathematics lessons and their views regarding educational materials. The data obtained from 15 teachers who participated in the study were evaluated using content analysis method. The findings reveal that teachers largely use educational materials within the possibilities provided by school resources and often encounter a lack of materials. It was determined that, depending on school and classroom conditions, the materials were sometimes insufficient and sometimes functionally inadequate. In addition, it was found that smart boards are the most commonly used type of material in the teaching process. The finding that factors such as the absence of dedicated mathematics classrooms and crowded class sizes limit the use of materials is among the results of the study. The research results clearly reveal that the use of materials in education not only increases students' interest and motivation but also makes learning topics more concrete and understandable.