Mathematical Modeling in K-12 Schools

1. Supporting Teachers' Competency of Teaching  Mathematical Modelling 

The goal of this study is to explore teachers' competency for designing of mathematical modeling tasks and teaching mathematical modeling.  

Recent Publications

• Carlisle, W., Jung, H., Wickstrom, M., Sutcliffe, K., & Kim, H. (2025). Insights into pothole damage: Exploring culturally responsive mathematical modeling. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 23, 1013-1032. 

• Kim, H., Lee, G., Soh, B., Noh, Y., & Cai, J. (2024). DEVELOPING PRE-SERVICE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS’COMPETENCY IN DESIGNING MODELLING TASKS. Proceedings of the 47th Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, 1, 161. 

2. Turkiye & Korea Collaboration Works  on Mathematical Modeling and Mathematical Values

The goal of this study is to explore the mathematical modeling competency of middle and high school students in Turkey and Korea by linking them to the mathematical value. This international collaboration facilitates exchanges of researchers and research between two countries and establishes a foundation for international comparative research in mathematics education.

In the international academic achievement evaluation, the overall level of mathematics achievement of Korean students is the highest. However, the level of achievement related to mathematical modeling competencies is decreasing at a higher level and increasing at a lower level. Also, Korean students are at a lower level in terms of mathematical values including motivation and self-efficacy. In-depth analysis and countermeasures are required.

International comparative research, especially the research expertise on mathematical value through the mathematical modeling process of Turkish researchers, enables us to objectively diagnose problems of mathematical competence and mathematical value of middle and high school students in our country. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to closely analyze in-depth the reasons for the low mathematical modeling capabilities and mathematical value of Korean students through this research exchange and international comparative study to obtain academic contributions to mathematics learning and educational implications for use in math classrooms.

This work is supported both by Korean National Research Foundation and Scientific and by Technological Research Institution of Turkey (TÜBiTAK)

Recent Publications

• Kim, H., Kim, W., & Lee, G. (2024). What do Korean students value in mathematics learning? Insights into mathematical well-being. In Dede, Y., Marschall, G., & Clarkson(Eds). Values and Valuing in Mathematics Education: Moving Forward into Practice. 211-235. Springer. 

On December 17, 2023, Korea Research Team (PI: Prof. Hee-jeong Kim) visited Gazi University, a middle school and a high school in Ankara. We've learned a lot about Türkiye education. 

On December 5-10, 2023, Turkey Research Team (PI: Prof. Yüksel Dede) visited to Korea University again and participated the International Mathematics Education Conference. 

On August, 30, 2022, Turkey Research Team (PI: Prof. Yüksel Dede) visited to Korea University and we had a productive seminar at the KU Curriculum Education Research Center. 

Seminar Topic was "Mathematics Education and Value Education in Turkey"