Pattern Generalization by Elementary Students

Abstract

Abstract-This paper presents the strategies used by fifth and sixth grade elementary students when they faced problem on pattern generalization. The samples were 3 elementary school students from grade 5 and 6. Students were given a problem of pattern and asked to make generalizations on the given pattern. The data were analyzed to describe the strategies used by students in solving the problem of generalizing patterns. The results indicated that the students were able to generalize on a pattern and start using mathematical symbols in solving problem. The results also revealed that the students used effective strategies to solve the problem of generalizing patterns. Although pattern generalization is not a new concept for elementary school students, it is considered important because pattern generalization can help students learn arithmetic thinking to algebraic thinking so that students are able to produce rules that can be used to determine any value of the pattern.