Developing Conscious Citizens Through Mathematical Modelling

This study aimed to explore prospective mathematics teachers’ approaches to a mathematical modelling task focusing on water waste and how it affected their thoughts and attitudes regarding water use. Data were collected in an elective course on mathematical modelling for teachers through classroom videos, written group reports, individual reflection papers, and field notes. The findings revealed that the participants increased their civic consciousness and sense of action regarding water waste by working on the task and discussing the mathematical models that emerged. The applicability of mathematical modelling tasks for developing conscious citizens is discussed considering the ideas of prospective mathematics teachers and relevant research literature.