Investigation of questions related to algebra learning in mathematics textbooks with respect to the competency levels of PISA

The aim of this study was examined 6th ,7th and 8th mathematics and mathematical applications textbooks which is prepared in accordance with the 2018-2019 mathematics curriculum in Turkey. With this study, it is examined how questions in the books of different grade levels cover the levels determined in the mathematics proficiency scale and how they change according to the different grade levels. The research was conducted in the PISA mathematics exam to cover the field of Change and Relationship, which is one of the four areas in which students' performances are measured. The field of change and relations contains algebraic expressions, equations, inequalities, tables and graphical representation. PISA mathematics competency scale was used in the process of reviewing the books. There are 6 levels according to this scale. The sixth level is determined as the highest level and the first level as the lowest level. In the study, the method of document analysis with qualitative research methods were used. A total of six textbooks were examined from each grade level. As a result of the study, it was seen that most of the questions in all the textbooks consisted of 1st and 2nd level questions according to PISA Proficiency Scale. The 5th and 6th level questions were not found in the mathematics textbooks. The 5th and 6th level questions which are defined as high level according to PISA Mathematics Proficiency Scale were found in the mathematical applications textbooks. As the grade level increased, the difficulty levels of the questions increased.