Color-coding as a means to support flexibility in pattern generalization tasks

Per Nilsson (1) , Andreas Eckert (2)

1 Karolinska Institutet [Stockholm]
2 Linnaeus University

This study investigates how color-coding can support processes of flexibility in figural pattern generalization tasks. A lesson from a Grade 8 class serves the case for our investigation. The lesson is part of a larger research project, which is based on the iterative research methodology of design experiments and involves a total of six lessons, distributed over two classes (three lessons in each class). The study shows how coloring can encourage students to move from recursive strategies, like successive addition, and support processes of flexibility in linking algebraic expressions and the meaning of n to visual structures of an expanding figural pattern.

Mots clés: Pattern generalization; visualization; color-coding; time-limitation; flexibility

Domaines: Mathématiques [math]; Education

Per Nilsson, Andreas Eckert. Color-coding as a means to support flexibility in pattern generalization tasks. Eleventh Congress of the European Society for Research in Mathematics Education, Utrecht University, Feb 2019, Utrecht, Netherlands. ⟨hal-02416406⟩