Learner’s strategies for heuristic ability in mathematics at the secondary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study explores the learners’ strategies for heuristic ability in mathematics at the secondary level. The study is qualitative, and the method adopted for obtaining information about the learner’s strategies is a case study. The site selected is Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Rustam, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Participants of the study were six in number, selected from science group students of the 9th class based on their interests. A test of non-routine problems was used for the collection of data. Six non-routine problems were given to the students to check their heuristic ability. Non-routine problems were analysed through cognitive strategies. No scoring of students was considered in this study. The researchers categorized the learner’s responses so that students who solved questions by applying complete strategy were marked with the word excellent, the half strategy was marked very good, and unsatisfactory solutions were marked satisfactory. The study investigated learners’ strategies such as making tables, using formulas, guessing, making diagrams, doing trial and error, logical reasoning, non-logical reasoning and looking for patterns. Results show that students who are interested, motivated and have a positive attitude toward learning practice various methods for solving non-routine problems.

Beating the devil out of them: effects of corporal punishment on school children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…Studies assert that parents who use non-physical methods of discipline tend to have children with higher levels of development compared to those who rely heavily on corporal punishment as they tend to have weaker connections with their children (Wissow, 2001). Despite the conviction among many contemporary scholars that corporal punishment can help a child's learning, research depicts more negative effects of it than other forms of discipline (Gershoff et al, 2019;Bibi et al, 2022).…”