Analysis of 2nd-8th grade students’ thinking approaches toward understand the concept of symmetry

Abstract

The aim of this study is determine the thinking levels and the difficulties faced according to 2nd8th grade students’ progress for understanding the subject of symmetry. Developmental research methodology was conducted in the study. 42 students in the range of 2nd-8th grades, continuing their education in a primary and a secondary school in Gümüşhane province, participated in the study. In the study, instruments and clinical interview, which consisted of four questions developed by the researchers, were used. As a result of the study, it was determined that students of 2nd grade could not reach the half-analytic level, students of 3rd and 4th grade could not reach the analytic level, students of 5, 6 and 7th grade could not reach the analytic-synthetic level, and students of 8th grade were able to show each of the levels.