Exploring student's pattern generalisation strategy in solving prism sticker problem

This research aimed to describe the stages through which eighth-grade students develop pattern generalizations when solving prism sticker problem and determine the type of strategy used. Prism sticker problem is a modified task from cube sticker problem that Lannin (2003) has used in developing student’s pattern generalization. Prism Sticker problem uses triangular prism-shaped media that will be affixed with color stickers. The subjects of the research were eighth-grade students of public junior high schools in Krian City, East Java, Indonesia. The results of this research show that the subjects can go through the four stages of the pattern generalization process, i.e., direct modeling, pattern identification, proof testing of the pattern, and determining the rule for a general case. The subjects can formulate the nth pattern by using algebraic symbols and explain it verbally. The results indicate that the subjects tend to use counting and explicit strategies to solve prism sticker problem.