Investigation of the students' knowledge levels and misconceptions about quadrilaterals in the different education levels

The aim of this study is to examine the knowledge levels and misconceptions of the students about quadrilaterals in different education levels (middle school, high school, university). This research was carried out with survey model. The sample of the study consisted of a total of 357 students of whom were in the 5th grade (n = 80), 8th grades (n = 73), 9th grade (n = 49), 12th grade high school students (n = 49) and 1th grade (n = 54) and 4th grade (n = 52) preservice mathematics teacher in the 2016-2017 academic year. A questionnaire consisted of two-part was used as a data collection tool. In the first part of the questionnaire, there were 3 questions which require drawing to determine the rectangular and special quadrilateral information. In the second part, two-step test with 3 questions consisting of 7 geometric shapes was used. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 packet program. Qualitative data were analyzed with descriptive content analysis. As a result of the study, it was determined that they had serious some misconceptions and knowledge deficiencies at each class level related to quadrilaterals. In addition, it was determined that there was no expected improvement in the hierarchical classification perception of the quadrilaterals due to the increase in the education level.