Understanding of Algebra of secondary school mathematics teachers from different generations: A qualitative comparative analysis of the answers

  • Aziz İlhan İnönü University, Turkey
  • Serdal Poçan Bingöl University, Turkey
Keywords: algebra learning field, misconception, mathematics education, values in mathematics education, generations X and Y

Abstract

When the challenges faced in the transition period from arithmetic to algebra are considered, it is important to research the differences between secondary school mathematics teachers from Generations X and Y, and their awareness levels. This study aims to compare the algebraic operation skills of mathematics teachers from Generations X and Y and their awareness levels. The content was analyzed in the study that was designed as a case study. The study participants were 118 secondary school mathematics teachers, 53 teachers from Generation X, and 65 teachers from Generation Y. The findings were evaluated under algebraic skills and algebraic awareness topics. The study results revealed that secondary school mathematics teachers from Generation Y had higher mean scores than teachers from Generation X in terms of the difference between the variable and unknown, algebraic operations, quantification, algebra and patterns, quantification, and inequality subjects in the algebra learning field.

Received: 16 January 2023
Accepted: 24 October 2024

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Author Biographies

Aziz İlhan, İnönü University, Turkey

He is a faculty member at Inonu University, Turkey, where he completed his Ph.D. in visual mathematics literacy and geometric reasoning skills. He graduated from the Department of Mathematics Education at Dicle University, Turkey, and obtained his master’s degree from the Fırat University, Turkey.

Serdal Poçan, Bingöl University, Turkey

He is a faculty member at Bingöl University, Turkey. He graduated from the Department of Mathematics Education at Atatürk University, Turkey, where he also obtained his master’s degree in geometry. He completed his studies with a Ph.D. on mobile technologysupported seamless learning environments at İnönü University, Turkey.

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Published
2025-06-30
How to Cite
İlhan, Aziz, and Serdal Poçan. 2025. “Understanding of Algebra of Secondary School Mathematics Teachers from Different Generations: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of the Answers”. Tuning Journal for Higher Education 12 (1). https://doi.org/10.18543/tjhe.2680.