that was not understood well. Thus, it is necessary that the given, unknown and required be specified in a wellunderstood
problem.
The students solved the problems, which were applied at the end of the term, by understanding the stage of
understanding the problem. At the stage of stating the given, all of the students (100%) used a correct statement. 70% of
the students made correct statements in the expressions of the unknown. When answers at the end of the term are
examined, it becomes clear that there were increase in the students’ answers in the statement of given and unknown
when compared to their answers at the beginning of the term. This result reveals that the understanding of given,
unknown and required would lead the students to the solution of problem.
At the stage of selecting the strategy, it was established that the number of strategies the students chose at the end of the
term was more, while at the beginning of the term, they chose less strategies. It is understood from the percentage and
frequency values that students making a systematic list, guessing and testing, drawing a diagram, finding a pattern,
solving an equation-inequation, estimating, solving a simplier problems, studying retrospectively, making a table,
logical reasoning in both application.
At the stage of applying the strategy, it became evident that at the beginning of the term, students failed to apply the
strategy they chose. 87% of the students could not applied the suggested strategies at the stage of solution of the
problem. This result is the indicator of the fact that the students who did not understand the problem cannot reach a
solution through the strategies which they chose randomly. At the end of the term, there were positive increases in the
accurate assessment of the problems.
In the consequences of the second problem, on the other hand, the accurate answers given at the beginning of the term
(43%) were understood to increase at the end of the term (100%) , at the stage of the comprehension of the problem. It
can be said that the lessons handled during the term were effective in terms of students in expressing the givens in an
accurate way. It is understood from the frequency and percent values that after solving some problems in expressing the
unknown, correct answers were 100 %.
Understanding the problem is the first and basic stage of the solution. The student who understands the problem well
will reach a solution choosing the involved strategy.
At the beginning of the term, the students were observed to choose the strategies of making a systematic list, making a
table, and guessing and testing, while at the end of the term they were observed to choose the strategies of making
systematic list, making a table, guessing and testing, solving an equation-inequation, and drawing a diagram. The period
in the term can be said to increase the selection of the strategy. What is important at this level is to determine whether
the selected strategy can be used in the solution of the problem.
At the beginning of the term, it was found that the number of students who practiced the selected strategy accurately
was 3 (13%), while at the end of the terms this number was found to be 17 (100%). A very clear decrease is understood
in the number of students who cannot practice (87%) the selected strategy (0%). At this stage, the accurate performance
of the selected strategy undoubtedly leads to the correct solution.
At the end of the term, it was revealed that 17 students (100%) accurately performed the step of problem assessment. In
the evaluations made at the beginning of the term, 3 students (13%) made it correct but 20 students (87%) made it
wrong. The increase in the proportions at the end of the terms disclose that the lesson course was conducted effectively.
The general conclusion of the study is that the education provided for the purpose of increasing problem solving skill
has become effective in the development of this skill, and in the increase of their level of the selection and use of proper
strategy. Pressley (1995) put forward that the students having received education for problem solving strategies were
more successful and had higher problem solving skills than those not having informed about these strategies. The
consequences of certain studies carried out similarly also showed that after having been taught several problem solving
strategies, students could learn and use these strategies, their mathematical success increased and problem solving
skills developed (Altun 2005; Arslan 2002; Faubion 2001; Ghunaym 1985; Lee 1982; Sulak 2005; Yaşar 2010; Yazgan
2002; Yazgan and Bintaş 2005; Yıldızlar 1999). From this point of view, the consequences of the performed studies are
parallel to those of our study.