Engineering Skills that Emerge During Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs) Based on 3D Modeling Done with Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers

Abstract

Modeling activities enriched with 3D printers are effective in providing teachers with the skills they should have and in using the technology in mathematics education. In this regard, in the present study, ten-week modeling activities were carried out with 3D printers that are widely used in different fields along with educational environments and the engineering and modeling skills used by pre-service teachers were revealed. In the study, eight teacher candidates studying in the 2nd grade of the Department of Elementary Mathematics Education in the Yozgat Bozok University Education Faculty took part. The study was designed as a case study defined as the study of specific situations in a certain context. Individual interviews, video recordings of the application and produced models were used as data collection tools to determine emerging engineering and modeling skills of teachers during Model-Eliciting Activities (MEAs). At the end of the study, it was revealed that pre-service teachers used engineering skills in designing, modeling and model producing. When the participants' views on the use of technology before and after the MEAs conducted with 3D printers were examined, it was observed that MEAs had a positive effect on the pre-service teachers’ interest and motivation related to technology.