How Does Simulation Contribute to Prospective Mathematics Teachers’ Learning Experiences and Results?

Abstract

In this research, the aim was to evaluate a simulation-based learning environment in the context of conditional probability. The study group consisted of 44 prospective mathematics teachers of the Probability and Statistics Teaching course. The data were collected through three probability problems, a survey form for the simulation-based learning environment, and observations. The research was conducted within the scope of the Probability and Statistics Teaching course. In the lessons, conducted in a simulation-based learning environment with distance education, the prospective teachers were asked to solve the questions asked and send the solutions using smartphones. The different ways of thinking that emerged are put forward by the researcher. Then, simulations developed by the researcher were used for the problems, and the prospective teachers were asked to make observations and take notes on important issues. In the last stage, there was a class discussion about the related problems. After the simulation-based learning activities, the prospective teachers were asked to evaluate the learning environment. The data obtained were evaluated qualitatively, and the prospective teachers’ ways of thinking about problems, changing thoughts with the use of simulations, and their views on the learning environment are presented as direct quotations. The research findings revealed that the designed learning environment offers unique opportunities for prospective teachers to think about situations with mathematics content and to experience different methods of teaching and learning mathematics. The learning environment provided prospective teachers with the opportunity to understand and evaluate the contribution of simulations to problem-solving and the opportunities they provide for discussion, reflection, and collaboration in a meaningful context. It was concluded that simulations could become a powerful tool and an effective learning environment for learners.