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Some generic principles for solving mathematical problems in the classroom
Citation
Fong, H. K. (1999). Some generic principles for solving mathematical problems in the classroom. Teaching and Learning, 19(2), 80-83.
Author
Fong, Ho Kheong
Abstract
Using heuristic processes in problem solving has been an emphasis in mathematics education (Hatfield et al. 1997; Reys et al. 1995). It is also the focus of mathematics pedagogy in Singapore, where acquiring and mastering appropriate strategies for problem solving are considered key factors to success in solving non-routine problems (Ministry of Education 1989). In the process of helping learners to acquire appropriate strategies, however, mathematics educators may have neglected or overlooked a crucial factor, which is helping learners to understand, and then master 'generic' principles which are implicit in many commonly encountered mathematical problems. The objective of this article is to show that acquiring generic principles, where these exist, will enhance learners' ability to solve mathematical problems with facility, thereby enabling them to be more effective problem solvers. The following sections discuss two principles to illustrate the point made above.
Date Issued
1999
Publisher
Institute of Education (Singapore)