Abstract: “This study examines and classifies the metaphors that computer engineering students formulated to describe “mathematics”. The sample of study consists of 45 Pamukkale University computer engineering freshmen. The following questions guided this study: What metaphors do students use to describe the concept of “mathematics”? What conceptual categories can be derived from these metaphorical images? The data were analyzed qualitatively and found 21 valid metaphors and 5 main conceptual categories were identified. These main conceptual categories are: puzzle, game, hardship, complex structure and a tool.”

Keywords: metaphor analysis, metaphorical images of mathematics, computer engineering students