Supporting the Transition to University Mathematics in Turkey

Title: 

Supporting the Transition to University Mathematics in Turkey: The Design of a Support Course

Speaker:

Neslihan Yazici, U. of Trabzon, Turkey

Abstract:

The transition to university-level mathematics is challenging in Turkey, as it is in many countries, and students encounter numerous difficulties throughout this process. However, in Turkey, the challenges experienced during this transition are often perceived as obstacles that students must  overcome on their own, rather than as a common issue involving various stakeholders (e.g., faculty members, policy makers). Moreover, the fact that higher education institutions and policy makers in Turkey do not consider the difficulties of transitioning to university mathematics are regarded as evidence that they perceive this transition as a natural process that does not require additional support.

This study presents reflections on the design of an undergraduate course aimed at addressing the challenges faced during the transition to university mathematics and bridging this gap. Furthermore, key aspects that emerged during this design process, implementation and evaluation of this course, which was conducted within the mathematics teacher education program at the faculty of education, will be shared.