Özet:

This study investigated seventh grade students' solution preferences while solving algebraic word problems and their thoughts about the Singapore bar model method. The study was designed as a single case study for which 10 seventh grade students were selected for the clinical interviews based on their performance on an initial assessment involving algebra problems. During the regular class hours, students learned how to solve algebra problems by writing linear equations. In addition, students were provided with an after school instruction for three hours and taught Singapore bar model method. Following the instruction, students' solution preferences on algebra problems were analyzed qualitatively through coding students' solutions and explanations in the clinical interviews. The study showed that, in most of the problems, students' first preference was the bar model method. Students used the bar model to conceptualize the unknown quantities given in the problems. The majority of the students could draw the correct bar model and reach the correct solution for the problems with this method, and those students could also write the correct algebraic equation based on their models. Therefore, the bar model method not only students make sense with the problem but also served as a step towards writing algebraic equation. Furthermore, students stated that bar model method made the problem solving process more enjoyable, and they wanted to learn other math topics using the bar model. This result indicated that the bar model method as a visual tool also increased students' motivation and played an important role in the algebra problems.

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