National and Universal Values Specific to Mathematics Education from the Perspective of Prospective Mathematics Teachers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal opinions of prospective teachers about national and universal values specific to mathematics education. 230 prospective teachers attending 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Mathematics Teaching Program, Faculty of Education, Giresun University during fall semester of 2015-2016 academic year. The study utilizes the qualitative research approach. The data were analyzed via the descriptive and content analysis methods. Themes were obtained as a result of the data analysis: love and value, righteousness, protecting cultural heritage, placing importance on aesthetics, fairness, patriotism, humility, leadership, creativity and success, sharing, independent and free thinking. It was found as a result of the study that prospective teachers sufficiently internalized national and universal values specific to mathematics education. In conclusion, it is expected that prospective teachers, who will be implementers of the curriculum in near future, possess values specific to mathematics education.