Developing minds of tomorrow: exploring students' strategies involved in the generalization of linear patterns

The study investigates students' strategies involved in the generalization of "linear patterns". The study followed thequalitative research approach by conducting task-based interviews with twenty-nine primary second grade students fromdifferent high, intermediate and low ability levels. Results of the study presented several strategies involved in thegeneralization of the patterns including visual, auditory, mental, finger counting, verbal counting, and traditional (paper andpencil) strategies. The findings revealed that the type of the assigned pattern (simple or complex) and the type of the structureof the pattern itself (increasing or decreasing) play a big role for students' strategies involved to either discover the rule of thepattern or to extend it. However, students in early ages could master several skills and choose appropriate procedures to dealwith patterns, which indicate that they could develop their algebraic thinking from early stages. Findings of the study alsorevealed that using different senses, using the idea of coins, using the numbers line, recognizing musical sounds, using concretematerials like fingers, applying different visual and mental strategies, and even applying traditional calculations could helpstudents to work with “linear patterns". It is recommended that teachers introduce different strategies and procedures inteaching patterns to meet the needs of students as different learners, give them the opportunities to develop their thinkingstrategies and explore their thoughts. More research is recommended to explore students' strategies involved in thegeneralization of different kinds of patters at different stages.