Investigation of the visuals used by successful and low successful students in the problem solving process in primary school

The problem solving process is seen as very important both as one of the life skills and as an interdisciplinary skill. For this reason, studies are carried out to improve students' problem-solving skills. Visuals are of great importance in the problem-solving process because they reflect the information in students' minds on paper. In this study conducted with fourth grade primary school students, the visuals used by successful and low-achieving students in the problem solving process were examined. In the research conducted using a case study, the visuals used by 12 successful and 12 low-achieving students in problem solving were examined. The interview form containing 5 problems prepared by the researcher was applied to the study group. In the study where qualitative research method was used, themes were determined and the visuals used by the students in solving the problems were examined. In the study, it was observed that successful students achieved effective solutions by using clearer and more detailed visuals in problem solving processes, while low-achieving students used more complex, incomprehensible and simple visuals. It can be said that the visuals used in the problem-solving process of mathematics lessons can be an important tool in mathematics education and can be effective in increasing students' success. The study suggests that visuals and visualization types should be used more widely, especially in mathematics education, and that students and teachers should apply them effectively.