Multiple Representations in Mathematics Textbook of the 10th Grade

One of the main goals of mathematical education is to construct a conceptual understanding for students. According to numerous research findings, multiple representations can be used as tools to reach conceptual understanding. In this research, mathematics textbook of 10th grade was examined based on the amount of multiple representations using content analysis method. The statistical population is the mathematics textbook of grade 10th and the equal sample was chosen. In order to validate the analysis, the views of Math professors and experienced teachers were used. For investigation of the reliability, the percentage of agreement among the coders was calculated through Scott reliability coefficient formula to be 85%. In this study, the representations were studied in different parts of the textbook including classroom tasks, activities, examples and the text of the book, and then they were categorized in one of symbolic, numerical, graphical and verbal representations. The results showed that multiple representations have been used in all chapters of the book for representing concepts. This is more in the chapters of Patterns, Sequence and Function. There is also the highest relationship between symbolic and numerical representations, and there is little attention has been paid to the linking of the types of representations with verbal representation. It is hoped that the authors and educational administrators of supplying content in textbooks design have more emphasis on combining kinds of representations to introduce mathematical concepts.