Developing a Framework for Evaluating Student's Understanding at Figural Pattern Generalization

Figural patterns have a unique capacity to promote functional thinking. This study aimed to identify the mental constructs of 7th-grade students in Figural Pattern Generalization (FPG) by using the Action, Process, Object, Schema (APOS) theory in order to develop a framework for evaluating students' understanding of FPG. A sample of 220 students completed a test designed based on the APOS framework and 19 students participated in a semi-structured interview. Results showed that there are emergent and partial action levels before the action stage and pre-emergent, and partial process/object levels before the process/object stage.