Learning Mathematics Using Heuristic Approach

Abstract

The heart of mathematical problem solving is to explore and establish relationships between the different branches of knowledge in mathematics. Heuristics approaches are capable of illustrating how these knowledge branches are united by a few basic, universal principles during the mathematical knowledge transfer in the process of mathematical problem solving. This paper focuses on the application of heuristics approaches in an action research. The objectives of the study were (1) to investigate students' response in applying heuristics approach in solving mathematical tasks, (2) to examine students' abilities in applying the heuristics approach. This study involved a group of 26 prospective mathematics teachers who are studying in a college (aged 22 -24). They had been exposed to the heuristics approaches in solving mathematical problems. Data were collected from classroom observations and the participants' reflective journals. The findings showed that the students were able to engage heuristic approaches in solving mathematical problems. Their reflections in the reflective journals indicated that they had applied the relevant strategies of the approach to solve mathematics problems. The strategies included giving representation, making a calculated guess and going through the process.

Impact of Heuristic Strategy on Students’ Mathematics Ability in High Order Thinking

“…The results are in accordance with Chavez's (2007) statement that heuristics are effectively used in problem solving. Heuristics provide positive results on problem solving abilities (Hoona, 2013;Novotna, 2014). The influence of heuristic strategy on reasoning ability is 62.2%.…”

Influencia de las estrategias heurísticas en el aprendizaje de la matemática

“…En matemáticas, la resolución de problemas es el concepto más eficaz, que se puede utilizar para contextualizar y recontextualizar conceptos, operaciones matemáticas básicas y transferencia dinámica de conocimientos para garantizar un aprendizaje sostenible y significativo. Hoon, et al (2013) dan a conocer que el corazón para resolver problemas matemáticos es explorar y establecer la relación entre las diferentes ramas del conocimiento en matemáticas. El método heurístico puede explicar cómo estas ramas del conocimiento están conectadas a través de algunos principios generales básicos en el proceso de resolución de problemas matemáticos y transferencia de conocimiento matemático.…”

Effect of Heuristic Teaching Approach on Students Performance in Economics in Senior Secondary Schools in Kano State, Nigeria

“…The heuristic approach encourages student's achievement through discovery (Hoona, Keeb andSingh, 2013 andThomas andIsrael, 2013). This is the main reason why heuristic approach gained prominence in recent years as a captivating the teaching strategy.…”