Representations Used by Primary School Students in Solving Math Problems

Abstract

This study examined the types of representations that primary school children create in solving different types of problems, the relationship between these types of representations, and the accuracy rates in solving the problems. The study was conducted with 80 students attending primary school's 2nd and 3rd grades. An achievement test prepared by the researchers, containing eight different problem types, was used as a data collection tool. A total of 279 visual representations students used in problem-solving were examined. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used in data analysis. As a result, it was seen that the students used 244 operational representations, 217 pictorial representations, and 62 schematic representations and made 64 mental solutions. It was determined that the accuracy rates of problem solutions were 22% for students using operational representation, 33% for students using pictorial representation, 35% for students using schematic representation, and 31% for students using mental solutions. The use of representation skills in the correct solution of problems has been discussed in the light of the literature, and some suggestions have been developed.