The images of polygons and classification strategies for the primary school students of 5th and 7th grades

The purpose of this study to examine, the primary school students 5th and 7th grades determine on the images of polygons and the classification strategies the relationship between images of polygons and classification strategies. Also another purpose is if there are differences according to gender and grade level to find out among the images of polygons and classification strategies.Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used together in this work that is used for the primary school students of 5th and 7th grades identifying polygons on the images and classification strategies. 5th and 7th grades primary students? images of divided polygons and polygons classification forms of identification in order to determine the effects of forms of quantitative research method used in survey and students? on the images of polygons and in detail in classification strategies of the case study to examine the qualitative research method was preffered.The research included 1000 students from 10 different primary schools were chosen randomly in İzmir city in 2010-2011 acedamic year. Images of Polygon and classification of polygons test, interview form, the polygon images and polygons classification worksheets are used in the study. Images of polygon and classification of polygons test included 48 questions and interview form included 8 questions. Interviews are made with 50 students who are chosen with sampling method that is one of the sample of maximum variation sampling. Interviews with students of difference is provided by choosing form different achievement levels.Subject analysis was carried out for the validity of the ?Polygon Images and Polygons Classification Test? developed in this study. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was found as 0.90.10 classification strategies are defined in findings of study, used by primary school geometry students of 5th and 7th grades. These strategies are classification, taking shapes into consideration, comparison, randomly, based on existing information, adhering to the images on the polygons, based on the polygons, taking into account the side properties, taking into account the angle properties, independent thinking, thinking about the relationships between polygons. As a result of the quantitative data analysis images of the polygons and classification strategies show no significant difference according to gender and class level.The results of the study, the data obtained are thought to contribute to educators about teaching, especially polygons.Keywords: Polygon, Primary school of 5th and 7th grades, Image, Classification Strategies.