Common Content Knowledge of Mathematics Teachers on the Concepts of the Universal Set and the Infinite Set

Abstract

This research was carried out to examine the common content knowledge in the contex of "Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching" (MKT) model of mathematics teachers’ universal set and infinite set concepts. The research was carried out with the case study of qualitative research methods. The study group of study constitutes 18 mathematics teachers. The "Set Knowledge Test for Teaching (SKTT)" -the part prepared for the common content knowledge component- and the "Lesson Observation Form" were used as data collection tools. Descriptive analysis, content analysis, constant comparison techniques and special data analysis methods for each data collection tool were used in the analysis of qualitative data obtained as semi-structured interview, observation of voice and video recording and written documents. The research findings show that teachers on universal set and infinite set concepts generally write incorrect or incomplete definitions. However, it has also been found that teachers have experienced misconceptions about these concepts and that their knowledge is at a superficial level.

Keywords

• matematik öğretmeni, evrensel küme, sonsuz küme, ÖMB model, genel alan bilgisi.