Identifying the Learning Difficulties of Freshmen in Mathematics Teacher Training Department in Function Graphs and Derivatives
M. Nuri KULTUR, Ercan OZDEMIR, Alper Cihan KONYALIOGLU

Abstract
The present study investigated the learning difficulties of the freshmen in the department of mathematics teacher training in the concept of derivatives and drawing rational function graphs and their possible causes. The study used the relational survey model. The study was conducted during the first semester of the academic year 2009-2010 with 84 students taking the course Analysis I. The sample contains 45 male and 39 female students who took the course Analysis I. In this study used five questions. The questions’ Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was found to be 0,79. In the light of the results obtained, various suggestions are made so as to minimize learning difficulties in students and pre-service teachers and to achieve meaningful learning.

Full Text: PDF