Research Article

High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations

Number: 4 September 13, 2026
TR EN

High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations

Abstract

Purpose: This case study explores the discursive routines of three 11th-grade students from a public high school as they engaged with single-variable linear equations. Specifically, it aims to reveal the nature and structure of their participation in mathematical discourse and to examine how their algebraic understanding of linear equations is constructed from a commognitive perspective.  Method: A qualitative case study design was employed. Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews, lasting between 40 and 60 minutes, and recorded using two cameras to capture the students’ mathematical communication in detail. The analysis focused on how students participated in mathematical discourse, particularly using ritual and exploration routines.  Findings: The findings reveal that students mainly relied on ritual routines, concentrating on performing rigid procedures rather than producing mathematical narratives. Their discourse centered on calculations, treating equations as sequences of symbols to manipulate rather than as mathematical objects. Exploration routines—which involve making sense of mathematical discourses—were infrequent but emerged primarily during discussions about the solution set and its elements.  Conclusion: The findings emphasize the significance of the variable, equal sign, and task situation in constructing algebraic understanding.    Therefore, in the context of linear equations, these findings suggest that students’ developing understanding of how concepts such as variables, equality, equations, and solution sets function as mathematical objects may encourage them to engage in exploration routines.

Keywords

References

  1. Alibali, M. W., Knuth, E. J., Hattikudur, S., McNeil, N. M., & Stephens, A. C. (2007). A longitudinal examination of middle school students' understanding of the equal sign and equivalent equations. Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 9(3), 221–247. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986060701360902
  2. Argün, Z., Arıkan, A., Bulut, S., & Halıcıoğlu, S. (2020). Tags of basic mathematical concepts (Expanded 2nd ed.). Palme Publications.
  3. Ben-Zvi, D. & Sfard, A. (2007). Ariadne’s thread, daedalus’ wings and the learners autonomy. Education et Didactique, 1(3), 117-134. https://doi.org/10.4000/educationdidactique.241
  4. Capraro, M. M., & Joffrion, H. (2006). Algebraic equations: Can middle school students meaningfully translate from words to mathematical symbols? Reading Psychology, 27(2–3), 147–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702710600642467
  5. Carpenter, T. P., Franke, M. L., & Levi, L. (2003). Thinking mathematically. Heinemann.
  6. Caspi, S., & Sfard, A. (2012). Spontaneous meta-arithmetic as the first step toward school algebra. International Journal of Educational Research, 51, 45-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2011.12.006
  7. Dede, Y., & Argün, Z. (2003). Why is algebra difficult for students? Hacettepe University Journal of Education, 24, 180–185.
  8. de Lima, R. N., & Tall, D. (2008). Evolving a three world framework for solving algebraic equations in the light of what a student has met before. The Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 34(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2013.12.003

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Mathematics Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 13, 2026

Submission Date

July 28, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 4

APA
Akçakoca, T., Yazgan Sağ, G., & Argün, Z. (2026). High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 4, 220-450. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1751820
AMA
1.Akçakoca T, Yazgan Sağ G, Argün Z. High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations. BUEFAD. 2026;(4):220-450. doi:10.14686/buefad.1751820
Chicago
Akçakoca, Tuba, Gönül Yazgan Sağ, and Ziya Argün. 2026. “High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, nos. 4: 220-450. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1751820.
EndNote
Akçakoca T, Yazgan Sağ G, Argün Z (September 1, 2026) High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education 4 220–450.
IEEE
[1]T. Akçakoca, G. Yazgan Sağ, and Z. Argün, “High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations”, BUEFAD, no. 4, pp. 220–450, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.14686/buefad.1751820.
ISNAD
Akçakoca, Tuba - Yazgan Sağ, Gönül - Argün, Ziya. “High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education. 4 (September 1, 2026): 220-450. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1751820.
JAMA
1.Akçakoca T, Yazgan Sağ G, Argün Z. High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations. BUEFAD. 2026;:220–450.
MLA
Akçakoca, Tuba, et al. “High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations”. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, no. 4, Sept. 2026, pp. 220-5, doi:10.14686/buefad.1751820.
Vancouver
1.Tuba Akçakoca, Gönül Yazgan Sağ, Ziya Argün. High School Students’ Discursive Routines in the Context of Linear Equations. BUEFAD. 2026 Sep. 1;(4):220-45. doi:10.14686/buefad.1751820

All the articles published in the journal are open access and distributed under the conditions of CommonsAttribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License 

88x31.png


Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education