Analysis of history of mathematics usage of secondary school mathematics teachers on their lessons: Reflections on in-service training

One of the most important elements for increasing the quality of education is renewing and updating curricula according to new developments. In recent years with the implementation of renewed and updated curricula, the importance of history of mathematics has increased in Turkey. However, the limited number of teachers using history of mathematics in class because of the factors such as lack of the materials, lack of knowledge and experience, proved the need for in-service training programs. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an in-service training program designed for using history of mathematics in mathematics teaching. For this purpose, changes in the views of secondary school mathematics teachers and their usage of history of mathematics in their lessons were examined. Designed in-service training program was implemented during two weeks with 20 secondary school mathematics teachers working in secondary schools in the city center of Trabzon. The in-service training program was designed according to System Approach Model. As a first step, sources about history of mathematics were identified, theoretical knowledge was given, worksheets and activity examples appropriate to the curriculum were made. Secondly, applications were made by the teachers during the in-service training program. A Likert type "View Scale Regarding Usage of History of Mathematics in Mathematics Teaching" consisted of 17 items, interviews, and observations were used as data collecting instruments in this study. When the results are examined, it is seen that after the in-service training program the average scores of teachers regarding the use of history of mathematics in mathematics teaching increased, and the teachers made an endeavour to enhance their teaching applications via history of mathematics activities. At the end of the study, some suggestions were made, such as presenting concrete activities to teachers during the in-service training, allowing teachers do sample activities, carrying out long-term observation and evaluation studies, and supporting teachers by their administrators and researchers. Keywords: History of Mathematics, Usage Ways, In-Service Training, SecondarySchool Mathematics Teachers Keywords: History of Mathematics, Usage Ways, In-Service Training, SecondarySchool Mathematics Teachers