Effects of van Hiele Theory-based Instruction on Pre-service Mathematics Teachers’ Geometry Knowledge, Geometric Thinking Skills and Attitudes: A Literature Review
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https://doi.org/10.52296/vje.2026.903-
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Teachers’ geometry competencies are key factors determining the effectiveness of students’ geometry learning. This paper employs a comprehensive research and content analysis to examine the application of van Hiele theory in developing geometry competencies, encompassing geometry knowledge, geometric thinking skills and attitudes, among pre-service mathematics teachers. Research findings demonstrate that organizing teaching around van Hiele’s five-stage process enhances pre-service mathematics teachers’ knowledge of geometric content and teaching geometry, improves their geometric thinking skills, and strengthens positive attitudes towards teaching and learning geometry. The study also emphasizes the role of technological tools in encouraging pre-service mathematics teachers to actively engage in the learning stages according to the van Hiele model. Based on these results, the paper offers recommendations for teacher training programs to improve the quality of geometry teaching by pre-service mathematics teachers, focusing on both content knowledge and effective teaching methods.
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