Comparison of 6th-8th graders' efficiencies, strategies and representations regarding generalization patterns

Abstract

The study aims to compare and determine 6th-8th graders' efficiencies, strategies and representations of student from different grades (from 6th to 8th) when dealing with problems related to linear and quadratic patterns. Research data was obtained from tests applied to 246 students and clinical interviews implemented with 18 students. It was shown that when grade increases students' efficiencies of generalizing pattern improve in a positive way in all levels. Besides this, as learning levels of 6th and 8th grade students increase, the variety in pattern generalization strategies changed at least in all types of patterns. While students at different learning levels generally used recursive strategy to solve all the problems, the number of the students using explicit strategies is relatively low. The students of high levels use many types of representation in generalization; in contrast, the weak level students prefer mostly numerical representations.