Social Constructivism: Does it Succeed in Reconciling Individual Cognition with Social Teaching and Learning Practices in Mathematics?

This article examines the literature associated with social constructivism. It discusses whether social constructivism succeeds in reconciling individual cognition with social teaching and learning practices. After reviewing the meaning of individual cognition and social constructivism, two views –Piaget and Vygotsky’s- accounting for learning from social constructivist perspectives including the differences and similarities between them are argued. This paper also reviews some research that is conducted from a social constructivist perspective. Keywords: mathematics education, social constructivism, teaching and learning, educational psychology

Expert and novice teachers' classroom practices in a technological environment

International audienceThis case study compares the teaching practices and craft knowledge of two secondary mathematics teachers using GeoGebra to teach the same geometrical topic. It forms part of a programme of research aimed at developing a more comprehensive understanding of technology integration in classrooms, by providing a model of key structuring features of classroom practice (Ruthven, 2009) which shape the use of technology in lessons and the kinds of professional knowledge required. In accordance with this conceptual framework, the classroom practices of an expert technology-using teacher are analysed in contrast to those of an experienced but technologically novice teacher, so shedding light on the character of expertise and the process through which it develops

Supporting prospective mathematics teachers' planning and teaching technology-based tasks in the context of a practicum course

The introduction of digital technologies into mathematics classrooms requires the creation of suitable technology-based mathematics resources, as well as educating and encouraging teachers to use these resources. This study examines four prospective secondary mathematics teachers' planning and teaching of technology-based mathematical tasks in the scope of a 14-week practicum course within a four-year mathematics education programme in Turkiye. Dynamic Geometry Task Analysis and Instrumental Orchestration frameworks have been chosen as the conceptual basis of the study. Action research to-wards a cyclical process is used to analyse how the incorporation of two frameworks in the process guide or support the development of the prospective teachers' classroom practices with the use of technology. The findings of the study indicate that using the technology specific frameworks in a practicum course was helpful to improve prospective teachers' designing and teaching technology-based tasks. They showed different development, change and evaluation in their tasks based on their teaching experiences through the process.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Turning dilate from point tool into part of an instrument: an example of a preservice mathematics teacher working on a dynamic geometry system

International audienceThe aim of this paper is to investigate a preservice mathematics teacher’s instrumental genesis of ‘dilate from point’ tool in a dynamic geometry system. Data is collected through a series of task-based interviews including seven specific construction tasks regarding the use of dilate from point tool with a Turkish preservice mathematics teacher. Video-recorded interviews and screen recorder software productions were triangulated and analysed within the theoretical lens of instrumental genesis. According to the findings, the participant firstly explored the properties of the dilation transformation and its relation to other geometrical concepts and transformations. Secondly, the participant developed instrumented schemes related to the dilate from point tool for applying appropriate strategies in the construction tasks

A REVIEW ON CONSUMER PERCEPTION OF ORGANICALLYPRODUCED RED MEAT AND MEAT QUALITY

In this study consumer perception of organically produced meat and meat quality isreviewed and the relationship between quality expectation and quality experienceand its implications for consumer satisfaction is addressed.Even in the developing countries, food quality is avery subjective and dynamicconcept, and the perception of meat quality is changing very rapidly. Consumerstoday pay more attention to credence quality attributes like safety, healthiness,convenience, locality, ethical factors, organicallyproduced and so on

Turning dilate from point tool into part of an instrument: an example of a preservice mathematics teacher working on a dynamic geometry system

International audienceThe aim of this paper is to investigate a preservice mathematics teacher’s instrumental genesis of ‘dilate from point’ tool in a dynamic geometry system. Data is collected through a series of task-based interviews including seven specific construction tasks regarding the use of dilate from point tool with a Turkish preservice mathematics teacher. Video-recorded interviews and screen recorder software productions were triangulated and analysed within the theoretical lens of instrumental genesis. According to the findings, the participant firstly explored the properties of the dilation transformation and its relation to other geometrical concepts and transformations. Secondly, the participant developed instrumented schemes related to the dilate from point tool for applying appropriate strategies in the construction tasks

Evaluation of antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of four turkish species of eryngium L.

© 2019 Bangladesh Botanical Society. All rights reserved.The antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of various endemic and non-endemic Eryngium species from Turkey were investigated. Nine endemic and two non-endemic Eryngium species were analyzed using a microdilution assay for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Cytotoxic activities of E. pseudothoriifolium, E. thorifolium, E. davisii, and E. falcatum, on prostate carcinoma and endometrial cancer cells were analyzed by cytotoxic activity assay. It was observed that 16 out of 22 extracts (aerial or root part) showed antibacterial activities. Fifteen out of 22 extracts showed antifungal activity with the lowest MIC (156 mg/l) value against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and C. tropicalis ATCC 750. Aerial parts of E. pseudothoriifolium, E. thorifolium, E. davisii, and E. falcatum exhibited cytotoxic effects on endometrial cancer cells. This evaluation of tested endemic Eryngium species' antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities is the first of its kind

Evaluation of reproductive health and sexual behaviors of university students: Case study from Istanbul

Background: Young people are affected to a higher extent by early and unprotected sexual relations in Turkey. They do not have healthy sexual attitudes, are ignorant about reproductive health and engage in risky practices and behavior. It is therefore necessary to provide effective and confidential reproductive health services to young people. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the reproductive health behaviors of male and female university students. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between January and May 2008. The study population was composed of university students from Istanbul University, Florence Nightingale Nursing High School, Faculty of Forestry and Department of Science Teachers' Training, as well as students residing at the Students Dormitory of the Regional Directory of Forestry. Questionnaires were distributed in envelopes during the breaks in the university buildings, cafeterias and in the dormitories. Completed questionnaires were also collected under cover in envelopes. The data were collected by four students from the nursing school. Results: A total of 647 students were enrolled. Among the participants, 75% (N = 490) were female students and 24.3% (N = 157) were male students. The mean age was 21.38 (SD = 1.92). The rate of sexually active participants was 26% (N = 169) and the rate of participants who masturbated was 36% (N = 233). The rate of using a family planning method was determined as 25% (N = 163) and the most frequently used family planning method was use of condoms (67.4%). The rate of pregnancy was determined as 1.5% and the rate of abortion was 1.4%. In 69% of the students, the main source of knowledge on sexuality was the internet. The rate of students stating that sexually transmitted diseases are transmitted by sexual intercourse and via blood was 72.6%, and the percentage of students who were vaccinated against Hepatitis B was 61.8%. Conclusion: Twenty-six percent of the students are sexually active and students are unable to reach information on reproduction and sexual health through reliable sources. These results indicate the need for organization of health education programs for university students with regard to reproductive and sexual health