Learning Mathematics Using Heuristic Approach

AbstractThe 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