Teaching from Patterns to Functions in Algebraic Thinking Process

Abstract

Function concept that mathematics educators has worked on importantly for years is still a source of difficulties for students. Because the functional relationship is a prerequisite notion for the function concept and the functional relationship should be gained from the outset, teaching of the function concept should be considered not in the high school mathematics, but in the early grades mathematics. In this study, the relationship between the pattern and function concepts and teaching strategies of them in the algebraic thinking process are investigated based on literature, and the results obtained from this investigation are given by supporting with the researchers’ recommendations.