Role-Playing Activity about Mathematicians

Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Cemalettin YILDIZ, a faculty member of the Primary School Mathematics Teacher Training Program at Giresun University's Department of Mathematics Education, a theatrical activity focusing on famous mathematicians was organized throughout May (2025) with 6 prospective mathematics teachers in their 4th year. As part of this activity, the prospective teachers first decided which mathematicians (Maryam al-Usturlabi, Maryam Mirzakhani, Hypatia, Omar Khayyam, Evariste Galois, Al-Khwarizmi) would be featured in the plays. Then, the prospective teachers conducted research on the chosen mathematicians and wrote biographical accounts of them in their own words. After rehearsals, the prospective teachers went to the classes of prospective mathematics teachers in grades 1-4 and presented the plays they had prepared about the famous mathematicians. This activity provided the prospective teachers with many benefits, including a better understanding of famous mathematicians, the opportunity to use famous mathematicians as role models, a sense of being like a scientist, increased self-confidence, and improved language and communication skills.