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In this research, the level of acquiring analytical thinking skills in the secondary school mathematics curriculum was examined according to the opinions and experiences of the teachers. The research was carried out by the phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research designs. The research was performed with the voluntary participation of eight mathematics teachers working in public secondary schools in the central district of Bursa in Türkiye. In the selection of teachers, it was considered that they had experience with the curriculum, had at least five years of professional experience, and received in-service training on the curriculum. The opinions and experiences of the teachers about the curriculum were obtained using a semi-structured interview form. The data were analyzed by content analysis, and themes were created. According to the results, the teachers found the curriculum insufficient for gaining analytical thinking skills. According to the teachers' opinions and experiences, the mathematics textbooks' questions and activities are insufficient for gaining analytical thinking skills. According to teacher experiences, leaving students alone with non-routine questions supports their analytical thinking skills. In addition, the modeling technique helps to embody the analytical thinking process. The teachers stated that the applications in the textbooks were prepared to assume every student would learn at the same pace and similarly. In addition, it has been revealed that students wanted to work by rote, not wanting to tire their minds and getting used to ready-made it difficult for them to acquire high-level thinking skills such as analytical thinking. Some suggestions have been developed according to the results obtained.

Bu araştırmada, Türkiye’de eğitim alanında yapılan akademik motivasyon çalışmalarının genel eğilimlerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmaları incelemek için betimsel içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Web of Science, ERIC, SCOPUS ve ULAKBİM veri tabanlarında tarama yapılmıştır. Anahtar kelime olarak “Akademik motivasyon”, “Akademik güdülenme” ve “Academic motivation” sözcükleri kullanılmıştır. Tarama sonucunda toplam 158 çalışmaya ulaşılmıştır. Dahil etme kriterlerine uymayan çalışmalar çıkarıldığında araştırmada kullanmaya uygun 77 çalışmanın kaldığı gözlenmiştir. Akademik motivasyon ile ilgili çalışmalar kodlanırken çalışmanın yılı, çalışma grubu, örneklem sayısı, yöntem, nicel yöntem çeşidi, akademik motivasyonun ilişkilendirildiği konular, veri toplama araçları ve kullanılan ölçekler dikkate alınmıştır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre, akademik motivasyon konusunda en fazla çalışmanın 2015, 2018 ve 2019 yıllarında yapıldığı anlaşılmıştır. Çalışmaların büyük bir oranının üniversite düzeyinde yapıldığı gözlenmiştir. İlkokul düzeyine yapılan çalışmaların sınırlı düzeyde kaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Çalışmaların büyük bir oranı nicel yöntem kullanmıştır, sadece nitel yöntem kullanan herhangi bir çalışmaya rastlanmamıştır. Nicel yöntem kullanan çalışmaların büyük bir oranı ilişkisel tarama türündedir. İncelenen çalışmaların yarısından fazlası İngilizce dilinde yayınlanmıştır. Akademik başarı/ performans, kişisel faktörler, akademik erteleme, öz-yeterlik ve tutum konuları akademik motivasyon ile en çok ilişkilendirilen konulardır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre araştırmacılara yönelik bazı öneriler geliştirilmiştir

This study examined the predictive relationships between collective teacher efficacy, job satisfaction, and burnout. In addition, the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between collective teacher efficacy and burnout was tested. Three hundred fifty teachers participated in the research in which the correlational research design was used. Collective Teacher Efficacy Scale, Short Form Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used as data collection tools. Pearson Correlation Coefficients were calculated to examine the relationships between collective teacher efficacy, job satisfaction, and burnout. Structural equation model analysis was applied to test the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between collective efficacy and burnout. The results indicated that collective teacher efficacy predicts job satisfaction positively and burnout negatively. Collective teacher efficacy and job satisfaction have a large effect on burnout. Evidence has been obtained that teachers' job satisfaction can increase and, accordingly, burnout can be prevented when collective teacher efficacy is achieved.

Introduction. Cyberbullying has been more common than the traditional bullying in recent years. As with the traditional bullying, humane values likely to explain the reason why adolescents tend to bully via cyber-means. Cyber-bullying behaviors also reasoned by adolescent’s sensibility towards it. This study investigates the predictive relationships between humane values of adolescents, cyber-bullying and cyber-bullying sensibility.Method. The study consisted of a total 1743 participants from different middle schools in Istanbul, Konya, Mersin, Ordu and Bursa (Turkey). 963 of the participants were females and 780 were males. The study group was selected among adolescents studying at the above mentioned secondary schools by a random cluster sampling method. The study employed the “Humane Values Scale,” the “Cyberbullying Scale” and the “Cyberbullying Sensibility’’ scale. Predictive relationships between humane values of adolescents, cyberbullying and cyberbullying sensibility were analyzed with the “Structural Equivalence Model” by using the AMOS 19 computer program.Results. Results of the study revealed that each of the humane values like respect, being peaceful, friendship and responsibility are statistically meaningful predictors of cyberbullying sensibility. Besides it was seen that honesty and being peaceful are significant predictors of cyberbullying.Discussion and Conclusion. Rise in adolescents’ level of humane values has an important role in increasing sensitivity against cyberbullying. In this sense, a decrease can be observed in also the tendencies to cyberbullying of the adolescents whose sensitivity has increased. On the other hand the result shows that a rise in adolescents’ values of being peaceful will increase their tendencies of cyberbullying sensibility. It is estimated that a rise in adolescents’ values of friendship and responsibility will increase their cyberbullying sensibility.

This study aims to investigate the effects of the sources of self-efficacy in mathematics on gifted students' mathematics anxiety. The participants of this study are 260 seventh grade gifted students, who attend science and art centers located in Adana, Bursa, Çorum, Elazığ, İzmir, İzmit, Kayseri, Konya, Manisa and Salihli. Of all the participants, 51.50 % were female (n=134) and 48.50 % were male (n=126). The Sources of Self-Efficacy in Mathematics Scale was used to determine students' sources of self-efficacy in mathematics and the Mathematics Anxiety Scale was used to determine their levels of mathematics anxiety. The data were analyzed through multiple linear regressions. The results showed that of all the sources of self-efficacy in mathematics, namely personal experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasions and physiological states, only personal experiences had a significant effect on gifted students' levels of mathematics anxiety. The sources of self-efficacy in mathematics were found to account for about 48% of variance in gifted students' levels of mathematics anxiety. The findings were discussed in the light of theoretical framework.

The aims of this study are i) to adapt Vallerand et al. (1989)’ s Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) into Turkish, ii) to test the seven-factor structure of scale through confirmatory factor analysis, iii) to assess the reliability of the scale and iv) to examine whether the scores obtained from the scale show difference by gender. Accordingly, 343 secondary school students were included in the study. %56.9 (n=195) of the students were female and %43.1 (n=148) were male. Out of students, %23.3 (n=80) were fifthgrade, %21 (n=72) were sixth-grade, %26.5 (n=91) were seventh-grade and %29.2 (n=100) were eighth-grade students. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the seven-factor original structure of AMS, dual consistency coefficient was used to determine whether the classification is modest or not and Cronbach coefficient was used to determine the reliability. According to the results it was found that the seven-factor structure of scale adjust with the collected data at an acceptable level, the scale has a consistent and high distinctiveness in terms of the measuring feature and subscales have sufficient internal consistency coefficient. Also it was found that scores of intrinsic motivation to know, intrinsic motivation toward accomplishments and intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation do not differ according to gender. On the other hand extrinsic motivation-introjected regulation score differs significantly on behalf of female students and extrinsic motivation- external regulation, identified regulation and amotivation scores differ significantly on behalf of male students.

Bu araştırmada, özel yetenekli (ÖY) öğrencilerin matematik öz-yeterlik kaynaklarının matematik kaygıları üzerindeki etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmaya; Adana, Bursa, Çorum, Elazığ, İzmir, İzmit, Kayseri, Konya, Manisa illerinde ve Manisa’nın Salihli ilçesinde bulunan bilim sanat merkezlerine devam eden ÖY 260 yedinci sınıf öğrencisi katılmıştır. Araştırmaya katılan 260 öğrencinin %51.50’i (n=134) kız, %48.50’si (n=126) ise erkektir. Öğrencilerin öz-yeterlik kaynaklarını belirlemek için Matematik Öz-Yeterlik Kaynakları Ölçeği, matematik kaygılarını belirlemek için ise Matematik Kaygı Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde çoklu doğrusal regresyon kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, öz-yeterlik kaynaklarını oluşturan; kişisel deneyimler, dolaylı yaşantılar, sosyal iknalar ve psikolojik durumlardan sadece kişisel deneyimlerin ÖY öğrencilerin matematik kaygıları üzerinde anlamlı bir etkiye sahip olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Öz-yeterlik kaynakları ÖY öğrencilerin matematik kaygılarındaki varyansın yaklaşık %48’ini açıklamaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular kuramsal açıklamalar ışığında tartışılmıştır., This study aims to investigate the effects of the sources of self-efficacy in mathematics on gifted students’ mathematics anxiety. The participants of this study are 260 seventh grade gifted students, who attend science and art centers located in Adana, Bursa, Çorum, Elazığ, İzmir, İzmit, Kayseri, Konya, Manisa and Salihli. Of all the participants, 51.50 % were female (n=134) and 48.50 % were male (n=126). The Sources of Self-Efficacy in Mathematics Scale was used to determine students’ sources of self-efficacy in mathematics and the Mathematics Anxiety Scale was used to determine their levels of mathematics anxiety. The data were analyzed through multiple linear regressions. The results showed that of all the sources of self-efficacy in mathematics, namely personal experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasions and physiological states, only personal experiences had a significant effect on gifted students’ levels of mathematics anxiety. The sources of self-efficacy in mathematics were found to account for about 48% of variance in gifted students’ levels of mathematics anxiety. The findings were discussed in the light of theoretical framework.

From the classical linguistic perspective, literacy refers to someone's ability to read, write, and speak in a language. These abilities can be observed in all parts of human life, ranging from everyday communications, to the workplace and science. In a similar vein, spatial literacy manifests itself in people's endeavors to solve problems in their lives, usually in the form of spatial knowledge, spatial thinking and acting patterns and spatial capabilities (National Research Council [NRC], 2006). Therefore, spatial thinking as a core skill of human life can be learned, incorporated into formal education, and enhanced through suitably arranged tools, technologies, and curricula.Spatial ability is an important variable that guides students' academic achievements (Battista, Wheatley, & Talsma, 1982; Lubinski, 2010; Maeda & Yoon, 2013; Yurt, 2014). Studies conducted in this regard have revealed that spatial ability is correlated with higher order skills such as problem solving (Clements & Battista, 1992; Hegarty & Kozhevnikov, 1999; Kragten, Admiraal, & Rijlaarsdam, 2015), creative thinking (Smith, 2009) and reasoning (Yurt, 2014). In addition, it has been understood that we use our spatial abilities effectively in daily life -for example, while using maps, doing sport and putting our things in order (Kimura, 1999; Peng, & Sollervall, 2014; Pietsch & Jansen, 2012). Thus, spatial thinking is felt very strongly in daily activities; however, it is difficult to filter out and know its role in these activities occurring in all aspects of people's lives. This kind of thinking is essential to many people's activities. It supports their successful performance and sometimes explains why a certain failure occurs (NRC, 2006).Spatial ability is generally defined as the ability to form well-constructed visual shapes, keep them in mind, and arrange and convert them (Lohman, 1996). There is no consensus in the relevant literature about the components of spatial ability consists. Researchers have defined various components of spatial ability depending on their points of view based on the way they explain the mental processes used in the visualization of shapes. Although some of these components are common, many of them are quite different from one another. The components of spatial ability that have been defined and explained can be listed as space, spatial orientation, visualization, holistic (global) perception, holistic flexibility, speed of perception, estimate of length, perceptual changes and figurative delusions (French, 1951, p. 21 as cited in McGee, 1979); spatial visualization, spatial perception and mental rotation (Linn & Petersen, 1985, p. 1482-1483); spatial orientation, spatial location memory, targeting, spatial visualization, differentiating objects and spatial perception (Kimura, 1999); visualization, spatial relations, speed of comprehension, mastery at comprehension and speed of perception (Carroll, 1993, p. 362-363) and spatial relations, visualization and spatial orientation (Contero et al., 2005, p. 25). On the other hand, spatial visualization and mental rotation abilities are generally regarded as the two fundamental components of spatial ability (Maeda & Yoon, 2013). Spatial visualization has been defined as being able to imagine the holistic and step by step orientations of objects and parts of objects in a three-dimensional space (Olkun, 2003), whereas mental rotation has been defined as the ability to invert and rotate two and three-dimensional objects in mind (Carroll, 1993).Studies aimed at identifying individual differences in spatial ability have revealed that spatial ability might differ by gender (Casey, Nuttall, Pezaris, & Benbow, 1995; Linn & Petersen, 1985; Maeda & Yoon, 2013; Reilly & Neumann, 2013; Turgut & Yenilmez, 2012; Yurt & Sunbul, 2011). It has transpired as a result of many studies indicating that males are more talented than females, especially in the mental rotation ability. …

There are numerous types and variations of social networking web sites, such as MySpace, FB, Hi5, and Cyworld. Of these networks, the most commonly used is FB. Because of the widespread use of FB by youth, its effects on student achievement has recently become one of the most important issues that are curious for families. Therefore, it has become necessary to study the use of social networking sites for educational purposes and their related variables. In the present study, the variables that affect the educational use of FB and the relationships among these variables are examined and presented through a model. In the current study, data are collected from undergraduate students in the College of Education at an Anatolian university in Turkey. The participants consist of 1,066 undergraduates—65% are female (n = 691) and 35% male (n = 375). The result shows that knowledge of these variables enables us to largely understand the educational use of FB by individuals. In conclusion, it was seen that students who use FB for educational purposes more have higher GPAs. These students use FB more frequently but they spend less time on it. Also, they have fewer FB friends than students who have low GPAs.

The relations between self-efficacy and mathematics achievement were examined in this study. The research was carried out with 350 (51% male and 49% female) 7th grade students who are in different schools in the centre of Konya. Sources of mathematics self-efficacy scale was used to determine the self-efficacy sources of students and end-of-term mathematics grades were used to determine their mathematics achievement. Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis were used in the analysis of the data. According to the results, there are high and medium-level significant relations between mathematics self-efficacy sources and mathematics achievement. The order of importance of self-efficacy sources on mathematics achievement is as follows: personal experiences, social persuasions, physiological states and vicarious experiences. Personal experiences, social persuasions and physiological states are significant predictors of mathematics achievement. Vicarious experiences have not a significant effect on mathematics achievement. The variables that predict the mathematics achievement explain nearly 59% of the change in mathematics achievement. Some recommendations were made for practice considering the findings., Bu çalışmada öz-yeterlik kaynakları ve matematik başarısı arasındaki ilişkiler incelenmiştir. Araştırma Konya merkezinde farklı ortaokullarda öğrenim gören 350 (%51’i erkek ve %49’u kız) yedinci sınıf öğrencisi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Öğrencilerin öz-yeterlik kaynaklarını belirlemek için matematik öz-yeterlik kaynakları ölçeği ve matematik başarılarını belirlemek için dönem sonu matematik ders notları kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analiz edilmesinde pearson momentler çarpım korelasyon tekniği ve çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, matematik öz-yeterlik kaynakları ve matematik başarısı arasında yüksek ve orta düzeyde anlamlı ilişkiler bulunmaktadır. Öz-yeterlik kaynaklarının matematik başarısı üzerindeki önem sırası; kişisel deneyimler, sosyal iknalar, fizyolojik durumlar ve dolaylı yaşantılar şeklindedir. Kişisel deneyimler, sosyal iknalar ve fizyolojik durumlar matematik başarısının anlamlı yordayıcılarıdır. Dolaylı yaşantılar ise matematik başarısı üzerinde anlamlı bir etkiye sahip değildir. Matematik başarısını yordayan değişkenler, matematik başarısındaki değişimin yaklaşık %59’unu açıklamaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular dikkate alınarak uygulamaya yönelik bir takım önerilerde bulunulmuştur.

The aim of the study is to adapt the Sources of Middle School Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale developed by, Usher and Pajares (2009) for Turkish context. After the Turkish version was formed through required procedures, it was administered with 750 middle school students of 6th, 7th and 8th grades. The ages of the students ranged between 12 and 15. The 48% of the students were female (n=408) and 52%of the students were male (n=342). 32% of the students were attending (n=242) sixth grade, 34’% of them (n=257) seventh and 34% (n=251) eighth grade. Construct validity of the scale was investigated via Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Criterion validity of the scale was also done to see if it serves its purpose well. Reliability of the scale was tested by computing Cronbach Alpha, corrected total item correlation coefficient, and t-tests comparing the total item scores of top 27% and bottom 27% participants. The results indicated that the Turkish version of the SMSMSEC consists of four factors. Cronbach alpha values of the factors ranged between 0.80 and 0.94. Corrected total item correlation coefficients ranged between 0.77 and -0.25. Criterion validity results indicated the scale serves its purpose well. The t-test results indicated that there were significant difference between the total scores of top 27% and bottom 27% of the participants for all items., Bu çalışmanın amacı, Usher ve Pajares’in (2009) geliştirdiği Matematik Öz-Yeterlik Kaynakları Ölçeğini (Sources of Middle School Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale) Türkçe’ye uyarlamaktır. Türkçe form, eş-değerlik sınamasının ardından 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflarında öğrenim gören 750 ortaokul öğrencisine uygulanmıştır. 12-15 yaş aralığında bulunan öğrencilerin %48’i (n=408) kız, %52’si (n=342) erkektir. Öğrencilerin sınıflarına göre dağılımları incelendiğinde; %32’si (n=242) altıncı, %34’ü (n=257) yedinci ve %34’ü (n=251) sekizinci sınıfta okumaktadır. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliğini incelemek için Açımlayıcı ve Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca ölçeğin amacına hizmet etme derecesini belirlemek için ölçüt geçerliği çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirliğinin belirlenmesi için ise Cronbach Alfa iç tutarlık katsayısı, düzeltilmiş madde toplam korelasyonu ve %27’lik üst ve alt grupların madde ortalamaları arasındaki farkların anlamlılığı t testi ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda, ölçeğin dört faktörlü bir yapıdan oluştuğu görülmüştür. Faktörlerin Cronbanch alfa değerleri 0.80 ile 0.94 arasında, düzeltilmiş madde toplam puan korelasyonları 0.77 ile -0.25 arasında değişmektedir. Ölçüt geçerliği sonuçları, ölçeğin amacına hizmet ettiğini göstermiştir. T testi sonuçları ise %27’lik üst ve alt grupların madde ortalamaları arasındaki tüm farkların anlamlı olduğunu göstermiştir.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of multiple intelligence applications on academic achievement in Turkey. Accordingly, findings of independent research studies aimed to find out effectiveness of multiple intelligence applications are gathered in a meta-analysis. Total of 71 studies, 66 dissertations and 7 articles were included in the meta-analysis meeting the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis calculations resulted that the multiple intelligence applications have a large and positive effect on academic achievement. It was also revealed that the effect of multiple intelligence applications vary by application period. Thus, as the application period increases, the effect of multiple intelligence application also increases. On the other side, effectiveness of the applications does not vary by; the type of the course, level of the class and the type of the research. Some suggestions made according to the research findings.

The purpose of this study is to investigate, via a model, the explanatory and predictive relationships among the following variables: Mathematical Problem Solving and Reasoning Skills, Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Spatial Ability, and Mathematics Achievements of Secondary School 8th Grade Students. The sample group of the study, itself conducted using a survey model, consisted of 470 8th grade students aging between 14 and 15 years old attending different secondary schools in the city of Konya, Turkey and its surrounding area. Of the total students, 238 were female (50.6%) and 232 were male (49.4%). In the study, the Scale of Sources of Mathemat- ics Self-Efficacy was used to determine students' levels of self-efficacy; the Problem Solving Test was used to measure their problem solving skills; the Reasoning Test was used to measure their reasoning skills; both the Mental Rotation and the Paper Folding Tests were used to measure their spatial skills; and the Mathematics Achievement Test was used to measure their level of mathematics achievement. The data collected in the study were analyzed using one of the Structural Equation Models, that being the Structural Regression Model. Ac- cording to the results obtained, the variables Sources of Mathematics Self-Efficacy, Spatial Ability, and Problem Solving and Reasoning Skills were witnessed to account for 75% of the variation in mathematics achievement. These variables have a considerable effect on mathematics achievement. Knowing this, it is recommended that, in order increase mathematics achievement, a mathematics teaching model in which these interrelated vari- ables coexist be developed and then implemented in activities supporting self-efficacy.KeywordsMathematics Achievement, Problem Solving Skill, Reasoning Skill, Sources of Self-Efficacy, Spatial Ability, Structural Equation Modeling.Today, in a time when extraordinary and rapid developments occur daily and because foundations of daily life are increasingly becoming mathematical, knowing and understanding mathematics have gained considerable importance. In such a changing world, individuals able to understand and use mathematics will have more say in enhancing opportunities and occasions that may shape their future (NCTM, 2000). In this context, understanding and being successful in mathematics have gained further importance.Individual factors are highly important in mathematics achievement and success (Akyuz, 2014; Ozguven, 2005; Peker, 2005; Usher, 2009). However, not all students are able to exhibit the same level of achievement due to individual factors (NCTM, 2000). Accordingly, it is quite important to ascertain whether students achieve in accordance with their skills or not, to investigate the factors affecting achievement, and to make practical suggestions to teachers and students. When the studies conducted in the relevant literature are examined, many factors are observed to affect mathematics and mathematics achievement. The major factors affecting mathematics and mathematics achievement may be listed as follows: (Uredi & Uredi, 2005), spatial ability (Battista, 1990; Casey, Pezaris, & Nuttall, 1992; Mohler, 2001), problem solving skills (Alci, Erden, & Baykal, 2010; Arsal, 2009; Gunhan & Baser, 2008; Ozsoy, 2005), reasoning skills (Ball & Bass, 2003; Brodie, Coetzee, & Lauf, 2010; Kilpatrick, Swafford, & Findell, 2011; Yildirim, 2011), school type (Dursun & Dede, 2004; Savas, Tas, & Duru, 2010; Umay, 2003; Weissglass, 2002), learning style (Peker, 2005; Senturk & Ikikardes, 2011), motivation (Fadlelmula, 2011; Uredi & Uredi, 2005; Yildirim, 2011), self-efficacy (Alci et al., 2010), family income level (Savas et al., 2010), duration of study (Savas et al., 2010), attitude and interest (Demir & Kilic, 2010; Peker & Mirasyedioglu, 2003; Savas et al., 2010), anxiety (Dursun & Bindak, 2011), and the duration one has attended a university preparation course (Savas et al. …

One of the most important variables affecting middle school students’ mathematics performance is motivation. Motivation is closely related with expectancy belief regarding the task and value attached to the task. Identification of which one or ones of the factors constituting motivation is more closely related to mathematics performance may help more effective mathematics planning process. In this context, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among middle school students’ task values concerning the math class, their expectancy perceptions and mathematics performance via a structural equation model. The study was conducted on 200 middle school students receiving their education in Konya provincial center. Fifty point five percent of the students (n=101) were female whereas 49.5 %. (n=99) were male. Twenty-nine percent of the students (n=58) were sixth graders, 35 % (n=70) were seventh graders and 36 % (n=72) were eighth graders. The Self and Task Perception Inventory in mathematics was used to identify the students’ task values and expectancy perceptions concerning mathematics, while end-of-the-term math class scores were used to determine their mathematics performances. The data obtained were analyzed using the structural equation modeling. According to the results that were obtained, it was understood that expectancy beliefs, task difficulty and intrinsic interest value were the most effective variables on mathematics performance. Moreover, findings of this study show that students with high expectancy perceptions in mathematics who derived pleasure from dealing with mathematics and had less difficulty in mathematics had higher mathematics achievements. The findings that were obtained were discussed in light of theoretical explanations.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Usher ve Pajares'in (2009) geliştirdiği Matematik Öz-Yeterlik Kaynakları Ölçeğini (Sources of Middle School Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale) Türkçe'ye uyarlamaktır. Türkçe form, eş-değerlik sınamasının ardından 6, 7 ve 8. sınıflarında uygulanmıştır. 12-15 yaş aralığında bulunan öğrencilerin %48'i (n408) kız, %52'si (n342) erkektir. Öğrencilerin sınıflarına göre dağılımları incelendiğinde; %32'si (n242) altıncı, %34'ü (n257) yedinci ve %34'ü (n251) sekizinci sınıfta okumaktadır. Ölçeğin yapı geçerliğini incelemek için Açımlayıcı ve Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Ayrıca ölçeğin amacına hizmet etme derecesini belirlemek için ölçüt geçerliği çalışması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirliğinin belirlenmesi için ise Cronbach Alfa iç tutarlık katsayısı, düzeltilmiş madde toplam korelasyonu ve %27'lik üst ve alt grupların madde ortalamaları arasındaki farkların anlamlılığı t testi ile incelenmiştir. Yapılan analizler sonucunda, ölçeğin dört faktörlü bir yapıdan oluştuğu görülmüştür. Faktörlerin Cronbanch alfa değerleri 0.80 ile 0.94 arasında, düzeltilmiş madde toplam puan korelasyonları 0.77 ile 0.25 arasında değişmektedir. Ölçüt geçerliği sonuçları, ölçeğin amacına hizmet ettiğini göstermiştir. T testi sonuçları ise %27'lik üst ve alt grupların madde ortalamaları arasındaki tüm farkların anlamlı olduğunu göstermiştir.

Bu çalışmada, sanal ortam ve somut nesneler kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen modellemeye dayalı etkinliklerin uzamsal düşünme ve zihinsel çevirme becerilerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. Araştırma deneysel araştırma modellerinden biri olan ön test – son test kontrol gruplu deneme modeline göre desenlenmiştir. Araştırma 2010–2011 Öğretim yılında Konya il merkezindeki Mareşal Mustafa Kemal İlköğretim Okulu altıncı sınıf öğrencileri ile yürütülmüştür. Toplam 87 öğrencinin yer aldığı çalışma grubu, iki deney ve bir kontrol grubundan oluşmuştur. Deney gruplarında uygulanan etkinlikler 9 hafta sürmüş ve toplam 18 farklı model geliştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda; somut nesneler kullanılarak modellerin geliştirildiği Deney 1 grubunun uzamsal düşünme becerisi, Deney 2 ve Kontrol gruplarınınkine göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Sanal ortam kullanarak modellerin geliştirildiği Deney 2 grubunun zihinsel çevirme becerisi ise, Deney 1 ve Kontrol gruplarınınkine göre anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Araştırmanın sonucu, uzamsal becerilerin geliştirilmesinde sanal ortam ve somut nesnelerin birlikte kullanılmasının daha etkili olacağını işaret etmektedir., In this study, the effect of modeling based activities using virtual environments and concrete objects on spatial thinking and mental rotation skills was investigated. The study was designed as a pretest-posttest model with a control group, which is one of the experimental research models. The study was carried out on sixth grade students attending Mareşal Mustafa Kemal Primary School in Konya’s city center during the 2010–2011 academic year. The study group is composed of a total of 87 students in two experimental and one control group. In the activities applied for 9 weeks in the experimental groups, a total of 18 different models were developed. As a result of the study, it was found that the spatial thinking skills of Experimental Group, 1 in which concrete objects were used to develop models, were significantly higher compared to those in Experimental Group 2 and the Control group. The mental rotation skills of Experimental Group 2, in which a virtual environment was used to develop mental rotation was significantly higher compared to Experimental Group 1 and the Control Group. The result of the study suggests that using virtual environments and concrete objects together would be more effective in developing spatial skills.