Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology
Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling
Merve Gül Seçgin 1 * , İrfan Başkurt 1, Pınar Güner 1
More Detail
1 İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Hasan Ali Yücel Faculty of Education, Türkiye
* Corresponding Author
Open Access Full Text (PDF)
ARTICLE INFO

Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 2024 - Volume 6 Issue 3, pp. 149-175
https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538

Article Type: Research Article

Published Online: 21 Nov 2024

Views: 169 | Downloads: 140

ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the mathematical literacy skills of fourth-grade primary school students in the process of mathematical modeling and their views on the modeling process. Mathematical modeling activities were carried out with students for four weeks in this context. The study group consisted of 15 fourth-grade students. Students’ solution and report papers, video recordings, and students’ diaries were used to collect the data, and the data underwent content analysis. The results showed that fourth-grade primary school students have a moderate level of mathematics literacy skills. Within the realm of skills in mathematical literacy, students had the highest scores in communication, representation, and problem-solving strategies creation skills. Conversely, their scores in symbolic skills were the lowest. It was determined that as students engaged in modeling activities, they had an increasing sense of comfort and proficiency, resulting in more efficient problem-solving. Students predominantly highlighted the modeling process in terms of the promotion of values such as teamwork, collaboration, and solidarity. It is possible to assert that mathematical modeling activities facilitate students’ cognitive processes as well as provide them with emotional and social support.       
KEYWORDS
mathematical literacy mathematical modeling primary school students
In-text citation: (Seçgin et al., 2024)
Reference: Seçgin, M. G., Başkurt, İ., & Güner, P. (2024). Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 6(3), 149-175. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Seçgin MG, Başkurt İ, Güner P. Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2024;6(3), 149-175. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
In-text citation: (1), (2), (3), etc.
Reference: Seçgin MG, Başkurt İ, Güner P. Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology. 2024;6(3):149-75. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
In-text citation: (Seçgin et al., 2024)
Reference: Seçgin, Merve Gül, İrfan Başkurt, and Pınar Güner. "Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology 2024 6 no. 3 (2024): 149-175. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
In-text citation: (Seçgin et al., 2024)
Reference: Seçgin, M. G., Başkurt, İ., and Güner, P. (2024). Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 6(3), pp. 149-175. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
In-text citation: (Seçgin et al., 2024)
Reference: Seçgin, Merve Gül et al. "Mathematical literacy of primary school students in the context of mathematical modeling". Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, vol. 6, no. 3, 2024, pp. 149-175. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202430538
REFERENCES
  • Akman, B. (2002). Mathematics in preschool. Hacettepe University Faculty of Education Journal, 23, 244-248.
  • Albaladejo, I. M. R., García, M. D. M., & Codina, A. (2015). Developing mathematical competencies in secondary students by introducing dynamic geometry systems in the classroom. Education and Science, 40(177), 43-58. https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2015.2640
  • Altun, M. (2020). Matematik okuryazarlığı el kitabı [Mathematics literacy handbook]. Alfa Aktüel Akademi Yayıncılık.
  • Altun, M., Aydın Gümüş, N., Akkaya, R., Bozkurt, İ., & Kozaklı Ülger, T. (2018). Investigation of mathematics literacy skill levels of eighth grade students. Journal of Science Mathematics Entrepreneurship and Technology Education, 1(1), 66-88.
  • Ambarita, S. M., Asri, L., Agustina, A., & Octavianty, D. (2018). Mathematical modeling skills on solving PISA problems. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1097(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1097/1/012115
  • Asempapa, R. S. (2015). Mathematical modeling: Essential for elementary and middle school students. Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(1), 16-29.
  • Berry, J., & Houston, K. (1995). Mathematical modelling. J. W. Arrowsmith Ltd.
  • Biembengut, M. S., & Hein, N. (2010). Mathematical modeling: implications for teaching. In R. Lesh, P. L. Galbraith, C. R. Haines, & A. Hurford (Ed.), Modeling students’ mathematical modeling competencies. ICTMA 13 (pp. 481 - 490). Springer.
  • Boaler, J. (2001). Mathematical modelling and new theories of learning. Teaching Mathematics & Its Applications, 20, 121-127. https://doi.org/10.1093/teamat/20.3.121
  • Brewer, J. A. (2001) Introduction to early childhood education. A Pearson Education Company.
  • Büyüköztürk, Ş., Çokluk, Ö., & Köklü, N. (2020). Statistics for social sciences. Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık.
  • Canbazoğlu, H. B., & Tarım, K. (2023). Cognitive mathematical modelling competencies of elementary school students. SDU International Journal of Educational Studies, 10(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.33710/sduijes.1191490
  • Chamberlin, S. A. & Coxbill, E. (2012). Using model-eliciting activities to introduce upper elementary students to statistical reasoning and mathematical modeling. In L. Hatfield & R. Mayes (Eds.), Quantitative reasoning and mathematical modeling: A driver for STEM integrated education and teaching in context (pp. 55-73). Wyoming Institute for the Study of Mathematics Education.
  • Charlesworth, R., & Lind, K. (1990). Math and science for young children. Singular.
  • Çilingir, E., & Artut, P. D. (2017).The effet of instruction based realistic mathematics education on elementary students’ avhievement, visual mathematic literacy and problem solving attitude. Marmara University Atatürk Faculty of Education Journal of Educational Sciences, 46(46), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.15285/maruaebd.279963
  • Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2007). Early childhood mathematics learning. Second handbook of research on mathematics teaching and learning, 1, 461-555.
  • Cole, M., & Cole, S. R. (2001). The development of children (4th ed.). Worth Publishers.
  • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
  • Csíkos, C., & Verschaffel, L. (2011). Mathematical literacy and the application of mathematical knowledge. Framework for diagnostic assessment of mathematics, 57-93.
  • Diputra, K. S., Suarjana, I. M., & Japa, I. G. N. (2019). Investigating the mathematical literacy of primary school students in curriculum 2013. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 382,65-67. https://doi.org/10.2991/icet-19.2019.16
  • Doerr, H. M., & English, L. D. (2003). A modeling perspective on students' mathematical reasoning about data. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 34(2), 110-136. https://doi.org/10.2307/30034902
  • Ekawati, R., Susanti, S., & Chen, J. C. (2020). Prşmary students’ mathematical literacy: A case study. Infinity Journal, 9(1), 49-58. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v9i1.p49-58
  • English, L. (2003). Mathematical modelling with young learners. S. J. Lamon, W. A. Parker, K. Houston (Ed.), In Mathematical modeling içinde (pp. 3-17). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1533/9780857099549.1.1
  • English, L. D. (2006). Mathematical modeling in the primary school: Children’s construction of a consumer guide. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 63, 303-323. Https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-005-9013-1
  • English, L. D. (2007). Complex systems in the elementary and middle school mathematics curriculum: A focus on modeling. In B. Sriraman (Ed.), Festschrift in honor of gunter törner. The montana mathematics enthusiast (pp. 139-156. Information Age Publishing.
  • English, L. D. (2012). Data modelling with first-grade students. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 81, 15-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-011-9377-3
  • Eric, C. C. M. (2009). Mathematical modelling as problem solving for children in the Singapore mathematics classrooms. Journal of Science and Mathematics Education in Southeast Asia, 32(1), 36-61.
  • Eric, C. C. M., Vapumarican, R., Vanessa, O. K., Tracy, L. H., & Shirley, S. Y. H. (2016). Fostering Mathematical Reasoning of Primary 5 Students during Mathematical Modelling. Journal of Science & Mathematics Education in Southeast Asia, 39(2), 138-167.
  • Erişen, G. (2022). The effect of mathematical literacy education given to fourth grade students on academic success in mathematics literacy and mathematics course [Unpublished master's thesis]. Bursa Uludag University.
  • Fauzi, I., & Chano, J. (2022). Online learning: How does it impact on students’ mathematical literacy in elementary school. Journal of Education and Learning, 11(4), 220-234. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v11n4p220
  • Firdaus, F. M., & Herman, T. (2017). Improving primary students’ mathematical literacy through problem based learning and direct instruction. Educational Research and Reviews, 12(4), 212-219. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2016.3072
  • Fox, J. (2006). A justification for mathematical modelling experiences in the preparatory classroom. Identities cultures and learning spaces, 221-228.
  • Geiger, V., Goos, M., & Forgasz, H. (2015). A rich interpretation of numeracy for the 21st century: A survey of the state of the field. International Journal on Mathematics Education, 47(4), 531–548. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-015-0708-1
  • Greenes, C., Ginsburg, H. P., & Balfanz, R. (2004). Big math for little kids. Early childhood research quarterly, 19(1), 159-166. https://doi.org/10.5951/TCM.9.5.0264
  • Helding, B., Megowan-Romanowicz, C., Ganesh, T., & Fang, S. (2010). Interdisciplinary modeling instruction: helping fifth graders learn about levers. In R. Lesh, P. L. Galbraith, C. R. Haines, & A. Hurford (Ed.), Modeling students’ mathematical modeling competencies. ICTMA 13 (pp. 327 - 339). Springer.
  • İncebacak, B. B., & Ersoy, E. (2016). Problem solving skills of secondary school students. China-USA Business Review, 15(6), 275-285.
  • Kaygısız, İ., & Şenel, E. A. (2022). Mathematical modeling in primary school: Students’ opinions and suggestions on modeling activities applied as a teaching experiment. Necatibey Faculty of Education Electronic Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 16(1), 88-134. https://doi.org/10.17522/balikesirnef.1033981
  • Kaygısız, İ., Şenel, E. A., & Kaygısız, D. (2021). Mathematical modeling in primary school: Students' opinions and suggestions on modeling activities implemented in a teaching experiment. In Turkish Computer & Mathemaiıcs Education Symposium, 118-144.
  • Kurniawati, R.P., Gunawan, I., & Marlina, D. (2020). Mathematic literation abilities based on problem solving abilities in first class 4 of elementary school. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 487, 186-192. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201112.033
  • Lesh, R. (1985). Processes, skills, and abilities needed to use mathematics in everyday situations. Education and Urban Society, 17(4), 439-446. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013124585017004007
  • Lesh, R., & Doerr, H. M. (2003). Foundations of a models and modeling perspective on mathematics teaching, learning, and problem solving. In R. Lesh & H. M. Doerr (Ed.), Beyond constructivism: models and modeling perspectives on mathematics problem solving, learning, and teaching içinde (pp. 3-34). NJ: Erlbaum.
  • Liakos, I. E., Rogovchenko, S., & Rogovchenko, Y. (2018). A new tool for the assessment of the development of students’ mathematical competencies. The 19th SEFI Mathematics Working Group Seminar on Mathematics in Engineering Education, 158-163.
  • Lingefjärd, T., & Holmquist, M. (2005). To assess students‟ attitudes, skills and competencies in mathematical modeling. Teaching Mathematics and its Applications, 24(2-3), 123-133. https://doi.org/10.1093/teamat/hri021
  • Lithner, J., Bergqvist, E., Bergqvist, T., & Boesen, J. (2010). Mathematical competencies: A research framework. In C. Bergsten, E. Jablonka, & T. Wedege (Ed.), Mathematics and mathematics education. Cultural and social dimensions içinde (pp. 157-167). Linköping: Svensk förening för matematikdidaktisk forskning (SMDF).
  • Mathematics Council of the Alberta Teachers’Association. (2000). Paper on mathematical literacy. http://www.teachers.ab.ca
  • Miles, M. B. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook. Thousand Oaks.
  • Ministay of Education Culture Sports Science and Technology. (2008). Guidelines for teaching junior high school. http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/new-cs/youryou/eiyaku/1298356.htm
  • Ministry of National Education. (2018). Mathematics teaching program (primary and middle school grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). MEB Yayınları
  • Ministry of National Education. (2023). PISA 2022 Turkey Report. https://www.meb.gov.tr/pisa-results-show-that-turkiye-has-consistently-increased-its-success-in-the-20-yearperiod/haber/31839/en
  • Mumcu, H. Y. (2016). Using mathematics, mathematical applications, mathematical modelling, and mathematical literacy: A theoretical study. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(36), 80-96.
  • National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. (2000). Principles and standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Principles-and-Standards/
  • Niss, M. A. (2003). Mathematical competencies and the learning of mathematics: The Danish KOM project. In A. Gagatsis, & S. Papastavridis (Ed.), 3rd Mediterranean Conference on Mathematical Education içinde (pp. 116-124). Hellenic Mathematical Society.
  • Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training. (2013). Curriculum for the common core subject of mathematics. http://www.udir.no/kl06/mat1-04/Hele/?lplang=eng
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2003). The PISA 2003 assessment framework – mathematics, reading, science and problem solving knowledge and skills. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/the-pisa-2003-assessment-framework_9789264101739-en
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2006). Assessing scientific, reading and mathematical literacy. A framework for PISA 2006. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/assessing-scientific-reading-and-mathematical-literacy_9789264026407-en
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2013). PISA 2012 assessment and analytical framework: Mathematics, reading, science, problem solving and financial literacy. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/pisa-2012-assessment-and-analytical-framework_9789264190511-en
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2016). Low-performing students: Why they fall behind and how to help them succeed. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264250246-en.
  • Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development. (2023). PISA 2022 results (Volume I): The state of learning and equity in education. OECD Publishing, https://doi.org/10.1787/53f23881-en.
  • Özdemir, E., & Üzel, D. (2012). Student opinions on teaching based on mathematical modelling. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 55, 1207-1214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.09.616
  • Pollak, H. O. (2003). A history of the teaching of modelling. In G. Stanic & J. Kilpatrick (Ed.), A history of school mathematics, içinde (pp. 647-671). Reston, VA: NCTM
  • Purwanti, K. L., Sukestiyarno, Y. L., & Waluya, B. (2020). The analysis of mathematical literacy abilities of primary school students. In International Conference on Science and Education and Technology (ISET 2019) (pp. 341-344). Atlantis Press.
  • Rizki, L. M., & Priatna, N. (2019). Mathematical literacy as the 21st century skill. Journal of Physics 1157(4), 8-13. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1157/4/042088
  • Şahin, N. (2014). Fourth grade primary school students’ modeling processes. [Unpublished Master Thesis]. Ondokuz Mayıs University.
  • Şahin, N., & Eraslan, A. (2016). Modeling processes of primary school students: the crime problem. Education and Science, 41(183), 47-67. https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2016.6011
  • Şahin, N., & Eraslan, A. (2017). Fourth-grade elementary school students’ thought processes and challenges encountered during the butter beans problem. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 17(1), 105-127. https://doi.org/10.12738/estp.2017.1.0038
  • Şahin, N., & Eraslan, A. (2018). How to apply model eliciting activities in primary school? Journal of Educational Theory and Practice Research 4(1), 99-117.
  • Saleh, M., Prahmana, R. C. I., Isa, M., & Murni. (2018). Improving the reasoning ability of elementary school student through the Indonesian realistic mathematics education. Journal on Mathematics Education, 9(1), 41–53. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.9.1.5049.41-54
  • Saygılı, S. (2017). Examining the problem solving skills and the strategies used by high school students in solving non-routine problems. E-International Journal of Educational Research, 8(2), 91-114.
  • Şenol, S. V. (2022). Investigation of the effects of using mathematics literacy questions on the mathematics literacy success in primary school mathematics teaching [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Bursa Uludağ University.
  • Şirin, B., & Yıldız, A. (2020). The ınvestigate of 8th grade mathematics course book according to pısa basic mathematics skills levels. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 9(4), 1158-1176. https://doi.org/10.30703/cije.676100
  • Suharta, I., & Suarjana, I. (2018). A case study on mathematical literacy of prospective elementary school teachers. International Journal of Instruction, 11(2), 413-424. https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11228a
  • Sumirattana, S., Makanong, A., & Thipkong, S. (2017). Using realistic mathematics education and the DAPIC problem-solving process to enhance secondary school students' mathematical literacy. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 38(3), 307-315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2016.06.001
  • Swan, M., Turner, R., & Yoon, C. (2006). The roles of modelling in learning mathematics. W. Blum, P. Galbraith, H. W. Henn & M. Niss (Ed.), Modelling and applications in mathematics education the 14. ICMI study (pp. 275- 284). Springer.
  • Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. (2015). Encyclopedia. https://timssandpirls.bc.edu/timss2015/encyclopedia/countries/
  • Turner, R., Blum, W., & Niss, M. (2015). Using competencies to explain mathematical item demand: A work in progress. Assessing mathematical literacy. Springer.
  • Ulu, M. (2017). Examining the mathematical modeling processes of elementary school 4th grade students: Shopping problem. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 5(4), 561-580. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2017.050406
  • Watters, J. J., English, L. D., & Mahoney, S. (2004). Mathematical modeling in the elementary school. In American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting, 1-12.
  • Wei, Y., Zhang, Q., & Guo, J. (2022). Can mathematical modelling be taught and learned in primary mathematics classrooms: A systematic review of empirical studies. Education Sciences, 12(12), 923. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120923
  • Wigati, T., Wardono, W., & Purwanti, E. (2020). Analysis of mathematical literacy skills through PMRI approaches of elementary school students. Journal of Primary Education, 9(3), 303-310. https://doi.org/10.15294/JPE.V9I3.39212
  • Wilkins, J. L. M. (2000). Preparing for the 21st century: The status of quantitative literacy in the United States. School Science and Mathematics, 100(8), 405-418. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.2000.tb17329
  • Yayuk, E., & As’ari, A. R. (2020). Primary school students' creative thinking skills in mathematics problem solving. European Journal of Educational Research, 9(3), 1281-1295. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.9.3.1281
LICENSE
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.