Examination of the Estimation Skills of 6th Grade Students and the Process of Comparison of their Estimations with Real Measurement Values

The aim of this research was to examine the measurement-based estimation skill levels of middle school 6 th grade students and the processes of comparing their estimations with measurements. In this research, the case study design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. Six students one female and one male student, at low, medium and high mathematics achievement levels from a public middle school in the central districts of Ankara formed the study group. Activities were prepared, which included questions in different categories, both for estimating the length, area and liquid volume of the measurement, and for the proximity of objects to the student. In order to determine the study group, activities were applied to 35 students, and their measurement-based estimation skill levels were examined. While determining the levels, a method called “Evaluation of estimates by percentage of measurements” was used. Before conducting clinical interviews with the study group, the activities were applied to the students, the students were first allowed to make predictions, they were expected to compare their estimations with the possible real measurement without measuring, and then, in some questions, the students were asked to make measurements using tools and compare their estimations with the measurements. As a result, it was observed that the students' estimation skills based on measurement were at a low level. When they were asked to evaluate their estimations without measuring, it was concluded that the students were not successful and they had problems both in the use of measurement tools and in the measurement process while measuring.