Classification of problem solving strategies based on mathematical processing skills

Two important concepts have emerged in the problem solving literature recently. One is problem solving strategies and the other is mathematical literacy. It appears that problem-solving strategies that play a key role in the problem-solving process are not subjected to a classification. By this research, it is aimed to classify problem solving strategies based on mathematical processing skills. In line with this main objective, classification of problem solving strategies that take place most in the literature based on mathematical process skills has been realized, and also the impact of education in problem solving strategies and the relationship between problem solving strategies and mathematical literacy have been revealed. The study group using the quasi-experimental design consists of 42 students who are studying in the eighth grade of a middle school in Çanakkale city center in the academic year of 2015-2016. Students were matched according to the Transition from Basic Education to the Secondary Education (BESE-TEOG) exams mathematics achievement scores by good, medium and low levels. As a result of the matching, two equal groups consisting of 21 students were formed and these groups were randomly assigned as experiment and control groups. A 5-week (10 lessons) problem solving strategy education was conducted with the experimental group and the control group continued to study normally. Quantitative data of the study were collected from "Problem Solving Test (PST)" and "Mathematical Literacy Test (MLT)" and the qualitative data were obtained from the solutions of the problems included in PST. As a result of the research, it has been found that the strategies of "Look for a Pattern", "Use Variable" and "Draw a Diagram" both involve formulating and employing, "Make a Systemic List" and "Make a Table" strategies include only the employing process, "Working Backwards", "Guess and Check" and "Logical Reasoning" strategies both involve employing and interpreting processes, and the "Simplify the Problem" strategy involves formulating, employing and interpreting processes. It was revealed that problem-solving strategies education increases students' use of problem solving strategies and mathematics literacy levels. It was indicated that there was a moderate level of relationship between problem solving strategies and mathematical literacy compared to the pre-tests, and a high level of relationship compared to the post-test, and retention tests. It has also been shown that problem-solving strategies are a significant predictor of mathematical literacy.