Achievement Level for Algebraic Reasoning Skills of Seventh Grade Students

Abstract

The basic aim of this study is to determine the success levels of algebraic reasoning skills of the seventh grade students in secondary schools. The quantitative research method has been used in the study and the Algebraic Reasoning Evaluation Tool (ARET), which was developed by Kaya (2015), was used in the study as the data collection tool. This tool consists of seven dimensions and is intended for determining the algebraic reasoning skills of the students. The ARET consists of 38 questions, 16 of which are multiple choice questions and 22 of which are open-ended questions. The study group consisted of 146 students in total, 76 of whom were males and 70 of whom were females studying at the seventh grades of a secondary school at the city center of İzmir. When the descriptive analysis results are examined, it is observed that the test points of the students in terms of recognizing and using algebraic structures/relations, using the algebraic expressions of the same data, determining the proper algebraic reasoning, making deductions on algebraic expressions, making algebraic operations for the purpose of deduction, deciding on the accuracy of the result and the solution way, and solving problems that are not routine were at lower levels or at the medium levels. When all the sub-dimensions of the study are considered, no meaningful relations are found between the algebraic reasoning skills of the female and male students.