Grade 9 mathematics learners' strategies in solving numbers pattern problems

Abstract: Problem solving provides an opportunity for learners to explore ideas and to extend their creativity, specifically if they are exposed to strategies that translate text into mathematical expressions. Number pattern problems allow learners to make predictions and justify their reasoning when solving problems. However, the solving of number pattern problems is often regarded as difficult for learners to do. Many learners use irrelevant strategies to solve number pattern problems and cannot easily identify number patterns embedded in problems. They also lack an understanding of the mathematical concepts of number patterns, which results in them not being able to solve algebraic problems or translate algebraic problems into mathematical equations. A reason for these difficulties could be that teachers often do not expose learners to various strategies for solving number pattern problems. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate grade 9 mathematics learners’ strategies in solving number pattern problems. Knowledge about learners’ strategies will assist teachers in the teaching of problem solving and guide them to introduce various strategies, which can assist in the solving of number-related problems...M.A. (Mathematics Education

Grade 9 mathematics learners’ strategies in solving number-pattern problems

Abstract: Many Grade 9 mathematics learners face difficulties in solving number-pattern problems due to insufficient exposure to strategies in solving such problems. The aim of this exploratory qualitative study was to investigate Grade 9 mathematics learners’ strategies in solving number-pattern problems. The problem-solving conceptual framework of Singer and Voica (2013) highlighting four indicators, namely decoding, representing, processing and implementing, underpinned the study. Ninety Grade 9 learners were purposively selected from three rural schools (30 from each school) to participate. Qualitative data were collected through a written activity and semi-structured one-on-one interviews. The study found that learners utilise four main strategies to solve number-pattern problems, namely (1) direct counting; (2) direct proportion; (3) recursive strategy; and (4) mental image representation. Knowledge about learners’ strategies can assist teachers in their pedagogies to teach number-pattern problems. The study adds to the research on problem solving, specifically pertaining to number patterns