Fraction schemes of middle school students and the use of these schemes in algebraic thinking

In this study, it was aimed to determine the fractional schemes of the middle school students and to examine their use in questions related to algebraic thinking. The study's participants were 12 students from 7th grade students. These students received education from public middle school in the one of Turkey's western city. The study is a case study, the study data were collected through one-on-one interviews and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive analysis. In the study, students were given a two-step interview form. It was revealed how the students used the part-whole, partitive unit fraction, partitive fraction scheme, fraction composition scheme and iterative fraction scheme, then the fractional schemes in algebraic thinking were examined. When the data were analyzed, it was determined that the students had difficulties in the questions related to the cluster model and their multiplicative composition mental schemes were problematic. The students have problem to reflect their experiences on fractions into the algebraic thinking processes. In the light of the findings; It should be focused on the meaning of fraction concept instead of memorizing rules, especially the whole meanings of the fraction in teaching practices. Key Words: Fraction, Fraction Schemes, Algebraic Thinking, Middle School Students