Usage of non-routine problem solving strategies at first grade level

Abstract

The aim of this study is to research how the first graders solve non-routine problems and which strategies they use. We also aimed to investigate whether there are relationships between students' scores on non-routine problem solving strategies; their mathematical achievements and gender.

For this aim, a test was prepared including 6 non-routine problems and administered to 170 first grade students. The findings of the study show that the strategy used most successfully by the first graders is look for a pattern and there is a significant relationship between students' scores and their mathematical achievements. Besides, insignificant relationship found between students' scores and their gender.