Decoding mathematics values in a Turkish high-stakes exam: A qualitative content analysis

This study investigated the mathematical values conveyed in questions in a Turkish high-stakes exam, the High School Transition System, which marks the transition from middle school to high school. For this purpose, 100 mathematics questions from the High School Transition System exams over the past five years were obtained from open sources. Adopting a qualitative research design based on document analysis, the study employed content analysis methods focused on sentence-based meaning. The findings indicated that the questions were grouped into two mathematics value categories: transformational and structurational. Here, structurational values include structures and processes such as being disconnected, dehumanized, theoretical, abstract, objective, and controlling the environment. In contrast, transformational values are related to the applicability of mathematics in daily life, its connection to dynamic processes, humanization, and its openness to development. Some suggestions for education stakeholders and further research were also made, based on the study findings.