The Impact of Using Model-Based Activities Based on the History of Mathematics in Geometry Instruction on Students' Geometry Anxiety

Oct 15, 2026

The study examines how mathematical modeling activities grounded in the history of mathematics affect students’ anxiety during geometry instruction. Conducted with 30 seventh-grade students in a public school in the 2021–2022 academic year first semester, the research used a nested mixed pattern design. Activities were implemented according to the 7th-grade geometry curriculum, and data were collected via written worksheets and a geometry anxiety scale administered before and after implementation. Content analysis indicated reduced geometry anxiety and improved student perceptions of geometry.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Study Aim and Approach

Historical Context of Mathematics and Geometry

Role of Mathematical History in Instruction

The Impact of Using Model-Based Activities Based on the History of Mathematics in Geometry Instruction on Students' Geometry Anxiety* Şükrü İLGÜN1 Kafkas University Zehra DAŞTAN 2 Ministry of National Education Esra ALTINTAŞ 3 Adnan Menderes University Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the impact of mathematical modeling activities using the history of mathematics on students' anxiety in geometry instruction. The study was conducted with 7th-grade students (n=30) studying in a public school during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. In the research, nested mixed pattern from mixed research methods was used. Mathematical modeling activities based on the history of mathematics, designed by the researcher in accordance with the 7thgrade geometry curriculum, were implemented with the study group. Data were collected through written worksheets during the implementation process. Prior to and after the implementation process, a geometry anxiety scale was administered to the study group, and student opinions were obtained. The data obtained from the implementation were analyzed using content analysis. The research findings revealed a decrease in students' anxiety towards geometry and a positive change in students' perceptions of geometry. Keywords: History of Mathematics, Model-Eliciting Activities, Mathematical Modeling, Geometry Teaching DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2023 .631.12 Submitted: 27 June 2023 Accepted: 13 November 2023 Published: 30 December 2023 * This is derived from the master’s thesis titled "An Investigation on the Effects of Mathematical Modeling Activities and the History of Mathematics on Geometric Concepts and Students' Geometry Anxiety in Geometry Instruction for 7th Grade Students." 1Şükrü İLGÜN, Dede Korkut Education Faculty, Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0002-2842-2032 [Email: mat.ilgun@hotmail.com](Email: mat.ilgun@hotmail.com) 2Zehra DAŞTAN, Ziya Gökalp Ortaokulu, MEB, Kars, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0001-8687-0960, [Correspondence](Correspondence: matematik.z@hotmail.com)[: matematik.z@hotmail.com](Correspondence: matematik.z@hotmail.com) 3 Esra ALTINTAŞ, Education Faculty, Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0003-3311-7179, Email: [esra.altintas@adu.edu.tr](esra.altintas@adu.edu.tr) Introduction Mathematics is a vast science that cannot be fully known by a single individual (Crilly, 2018) . The history of mathematics often demonstrates how mathematical knowledge has progressed and expanded from one civilization to another (Baki, 2008) . Humans have constantly interacted with their environment throughout the historical process to sustain their existence. They have observed their surroundings to meet their basic needs and engaged in activities that would facilitate their lives. Therefore, they have utilized geometry when determining the boundaries of a region in agriculture or finding directions by observing the stars. Geometry has also been employed in measuring time through calendar calculations or constructing buildings and bridges in architecture. From a historical development perspective, it can be observed that geometry was studied as an integral part of mathematics until recent times. In ancient times, the term "geometry" was used instead of mathematics, which meant "earth measurement" (Ertekin & Ünlü, 2020) . The history of mathematics provides information on how mathematical knowledge has evolved and progressed over centuries. According to Bayam (2014), throughout different eras, the majority of civilizations have embraced mathematics in some form, providing numerous benefits to the advancement and development of the field. Without examining the multi-historical, multi-cultural structure of the mathematical sciences, it is not possible to be successful in mathematics. In this context, when examining the development of mathematics, it can be seen that its initial emergence on the historical stage was in the form of basic

FAQs

What is the purpose of the study?

To examine the impact of mathematical modeling activities based on the history of mathematics on students’ anxiety in geometry instruction.

How was the study conducted?

The research involved 30 seventh-grade students and used a nested mixed pattern from mixed research methods, with activities implemented based on the 7th-grade geometry curriculum.

What data were collected and how were results analyzed?

Data were collected through written worksheets and a geometry anxiety scale administered before and after implementation, and findings were analyzed using content analysis.

Oct 15, 2026

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