4 Types of Heuristic Method in Maths

Traditional math places emphasis on the acquisition of knowledge. Heuristic method, on the other hand, places more importance on the manner of discovery on the part of the students. The difference of the two is the performance of the student. Heuristic method allows the kid to discover the lesson on his own. It's about the manner of acquiring the information. In the long run, the kid will be able to go about the problem to achieve the solution. He will be less dependent on prior knowledge. He will do away with memorization and fact tables. That is what traditional method failed to instill in kids - the ability to discern problems and issues independently.

4 Types of Heuristic Method in Maths

1. Representation

This is most suitable in word problems. Kids are used to equations. They tend to get lost in the problem when faced with too many words. That's where representation enters the picture. Kids do best when there is a visual representation. After reading the problem, make a list. Itemize the given numbers. It summarizes the information given and gives the kids a clearer picture of the whole problem. By singling out the numbers, kids will get to identify the pattern and they will be able to provide the needed answers systematically.

2. Making a calculated guess

It's the subsequent guessing and checking on the part of the kids. It'll help them narrow down their options. This is especially useful in problems with missing information. Instead of thinking of so many possibilities and wondering whether these will work or not, the kids get to narrow down their choices. Once his guess doesn't produce the intended effect then, he can try the next one. It helps the kids bring together a systematic list of possible choices and achieve the correct one in just a short period of time. It's all about patterns and sequences.

3. Going through a process

Kids learn best through experience and this type of heuristic maths method does just that. Kids will be asked to do the problems using actual objects. He can use balls or sticks to represent the items in the problem. This allows the kids to explore their options in an actual situation.

It's not all about the problems or words swimming in their heads. They can bring those concepts to the real world. What happens when you put this and this together? What happens when you put it this way instead of the other way around? They could try out their options. Find answers to their inquiries themselves. They get to understand the changes happening. What is the scenario before you added this to the pile? What happens after you placed it on the pile? By analyzing their actual objects, they could understand the before and after concepts.

4. Restating the problem

Not all kids think alike. Some can grasp the facts faster than the rest. By changing how the problems are presented, kids will achieve a certain level of understanding that is not present before. They can view the problem in a different perspective. Use items that they can recognize or tap into their interests. Once they started viewing it in a different perspective, they'll be able to know how to work it out. If the problem is too broad, breaking the problem down into simpler parts can help the kids understand better.