Investigating the effects of reasoning games on middle school students' learning levels and mathematical reasoning abilities about linear equations

In this study, the effects of activities based on reasoning and operation games on students' learning levels and mathematical resoning skills in the context of linear equations were investigated. The study in which the case study method one of the qualitative research is prefered, was carried out with 34 students attending at 8th grade in Ankara in the 2020-2021 academic year. In the study, ABC binding, treasury hunting, multiplication, capsules and kendoku games which are called reasoning and operation games in the Secondary School and Imam Hatip Secondary School Intelligence Games Lesson Program, were used. The determined games were arranged and redesigned by the researcher in order to include the concept of linear equations. During three weeks of implemening the games, students learning levels and mathematical reasoning skills were investigated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 8 students who were thought to be at different levels. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, activity sheets implemented during operation games, videos taken during instructions, the researcher's observations and "Linear EquationsQuestions 1 and 2". The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and content analysis. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that reasoning and operation game activities had a positive effect on the students. Unlike other studies, in the study in which reasoning and operation games were presented in the context of linear equations, it was observed that students both gained basic skills in reasoning and operation games and had experience with the subject in target. During the application process of the activities, it was seen that the activities contributed positively to the learning levels and mathematical reasoning skills of the students.