The Impact of Interdisciplinary Approach and Mathematical Modelling Activities on Mathematics Teaching - A Case Study with Pre-Service Teachers - study results

Oct 15, 2026

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Mathematical modelling is presented as an effective teaching approach that deepens students’ understanding of mathematical concepts by linking mathematics to real-life contexts and to other disciplines. The study designs interdisciplinary Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) for pre-service teachers, evaluates the activities using modelling principles, and examines participants’ views after implementation. Data include developed MEAs, video transcripts, and semi-structured interview audio transcripts. Analysis uses content and descriptive methods plus rubric-based evaluation, showing strong alignment with modelling principles and contributions to learning.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Mathematical modelling and real life

Model-eliciting activities (MEAs)

Interdisciplinary and STEM connections

Study design and evaluation

Australian Journal of Teacher Education | Volume 50 Issue 4 | Article 5 | | --- | --- | | 1-31-2025
The Impact of Interdisciplinary Approach and Mathematical Modelling Activities on Mathematics Teaching: A Case Study with Pre-Service Teachers
Eda N. Güner
29 Mayis University
Ahmet Ş . Özdemir
Sabahattin Zaim University
Follow this and additional works at: [https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte](https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte)
Part of the Educational Methods Commons, Higher Education Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, and the Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons | | Recommended Citation Güner, E. N., & Özdemir, A. Ş . (2025) . The Impact of Interdisciplinary Approach and Mathematical Modelling Activities on Mathematics Teaching: A Case Study with Pre-Service Teachers. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 50(4) . [https://doi.org/10.14221/1835-517X.6982](https://doi.org/10.14221/1835-517X.6982) This Journal Article is posted at Research Online. [https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol50/iss4/5](https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ajte/vol50/iss4/5) The Impact of Interdisciplinary Approach and Mathematical Modelling Activities on Mathematics Teaching: A Case Study with Pre-Service Teachers Eda N. Güner 29 Mayıs University, Türkiye Ahmet Ş . Özdemir Sabahattin Zaim University, Türkiye Abstract: Mathematical modelling is an effective approach that helps students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts by connecting mathematics to real-life contexts and to other disciplines. Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) are student-centred processes in which learners use modelling methods to solve complex real-world problems. This case study aimed to design interdisciplinary MEAs for pre-service teachers, to evaluate these activities according to modelling principles, and to examine participants’ views after the implementation. The data consisted of the developed MEAs, video transcripts from the implementation process, and audio transcripts of semi-structured interviews. Content analysis, descriptive analysis, and rubric-based evaluation were used. The results showed that although the activities did not fully meet all modelling principles, they largely aligned with them and provided meaningful contributions topre service teachers’ learning. Interview findings indicated that participants’ initially general views became more specific over time, and that interdisciplinary modelling activities increased both motivation and classroom interaction. Keywords: model eliciting activity; pre-service teacher; mathematical modelling; interdisciplinary approach; designing principles. Introduction In educational institutions, mathematics is often perceived as an abstract subject and there are difficulties in relating it to real life. However mathematical knowledge and skills are very much needed to make sense of and solve the problems encountered in daily life. In this context, mathematical modelling is a very effective teaching method to ensure the association of mathematics with real life and to alleviate the difficulties in association. With the implementation of activities involving mathematical modelling, daily life problems are transferred to the language of mathematics, making students aware of what mathematics does in real life and contributing to the development of students' mathematical knowledge and skills. Mathematical modelling is one of the most powerful components of the learning process, as it engages students in problem situations that they may encounter in their real lives or can imagine, thereby enabling the use and development of high-level cognitive skills (Borromeo Ferri, 2006; Lesh & Doerr, 2003; Stillman, Galbraith, Brown & Edwards, 2007) . Model-eliciting activities (MEAs) are designed to present problem situations, grounded in specific instructional principles, situated in real-world or hypothetical contexts, through which students are encouraged to

FAQs

What teaching approach does the article focus on for mathematics learning?

The article focuses on mathematical modelling and interdisciplinary Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs) to connect mathematics with real-life contexts and other disciplines.

How were the MEAs developed and evaluated in the case study?

Interdisciplinary MEAs were designed for pre-service teachers and evaluated using modelling principles, with content and descriptive analysis plus rubric-based evaluation.

What did the researchers find about participants’ responses?

Participants’ views became more specific over time, and interdisciplinary modelling activities increased both motivation and classroom interaction.

Oct 15, 2026

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