Mathematical Thinking through the Eyes of Prospective Mathematics Teachers at Different Grade Levels

In the contemporary world, “Mathematical Thinking (MT) ” has great importance for all individuals, whatever their field of study is. Because, there is a one to one relation between MT components and desired characteristics of a person in every field of life.The aim of this study is to determine the prospective mathematics teachers ’ views about MT and to compare views according to their grade levels. A qualitative survey design was conducted with 134 3-4-5. grade levels prospective teachers attending the Department of Secondary Mathematics Teacher Education during the academic year 2009-2010. Five open-ended questions were used for data collection.and the organized data were analyzed with content analysis. The obtained findings showed that prospective mathematics teachers could revealed MT’s complex structure in their views and related problem solving and MT. But they usually defined problem solving as doing routine operations and reaching a solution. Comparisons made between the grade levels revealed that the fourth-graders have more positive views concerning MT’s definition and the relationship between MT and problem solving. The findings also showed that the views of prospective teachers in the fifth grade are closer to what is expected in their views about problem solving stages and the definition of reasoning. Another important finding was that the prospective teachers avoid making comment as they are about to finish university