Mathematical Modelling Approach in Mathematics Education

Abstract

The topic of models and modeling has come to be important for science and mathematics education in recent years. The topic of "Modeling" topic is especially important for examinations such as PISA which is conducted at an international level and measures a student's success in mathematics. Mathematical modeling can be defined as using mathematics to explain and define the events in real life, to test ideas and to make estimations about real life events. Theoretical basis of the mathematical modelling approach, "model", "mathematical modelling" and "modeling activity" concepts are explained in this study and examples of these concepts are given. The importance of mathematical modeling, importance and the place of modeling topic in primary school, secondary school and high school (secondary education) mathematic programs based on social constructive approach, which were developed in 2005 and modified in 2013 by the Ministry of National Education (MNE) in Turkey, and how the modeling activities are included in the program are also presented in this study. It is considered that this study will contribute to the mathematical program development studies by MNE which are developed based on the constructive approach in Turkey.