Sekizinci Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Basit Görsel ve Cebirsel İfadeler Konusundaki Hata ve Kavram Yanılgılarının İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to examine the errors and misconceptions of 8th-grade students on visual and algebraic expressions. The study group consists of 120 middle school students studying in the eighth grade in Afyonkarahisar province. Data were collected with an algebra test consisting of multiple-choice and four written answers question that require an algebraic expression of simple visual and shape patterns. Data were analyzed with descriptive and content analysis. As a result of the research, it was determined that students who could not establish a relationship between algebra and geometric shape had difficulty in understanding algebraic expressions and could not transit from the pattern to the algebraic equation. In addition, it was observed that the errors in simple visual and algebraic expressions of the students were caused by incorrect algebraic operation selection, ignoring parentheses in algebraic expressions, misinterpreting the shape pattern, and arithmetic operation error. In order to facilitate the transition from arithmetic to algebra, it is recommended to use more perceptible materials and visuals in algebra teaching.