Investigation of 7th grade students' use of visual strategies in vi̇sual pattern problems

This study aims to examine the use of visual strategies by 7th grade students in shape pattern problems. A case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The study was conducted with 12 students studying in the seventh grade at a middle school in Rize province in the 2022-2023 academic year. A data collection tool containing 6 shape pattern problems was used in the study. Descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the study data. According to the findings of the study, it was seen that the students mostly used the numerical iterative strategy to find the value corresponding to the fourth step in the shape patterns given the first three steps, and the constructive strategy to create the shape. It was determined that the students used the numerical explicit strategy the most when finding the near and far steps and rules of the patterns. It was seen that visual strategies were used very little in the study. The students did not take into account the structure of the shape in shape pattern problems and tried to solve the problems by focusing on the numerical values in the shapes. It was seen that the students mostly reached the correct answers in solving the pattern problems. In addition, it was determined that students had some deficiencies in creating an algebraic expression corresponding to a verbal situation and using variables. In line with the results obtained in the study, various suggestions were made for students and teachers regarding the use of visual strategies in shape pattern problems.