Analysis of heuristic strategies and evaluation of intuitive knowledge in the problem solving of the Kangaroo Math Competition

Abstract

Th is article presents a research which analyzes the mathematical contents present in the tests discussed in the Kangaroo Math Competition of the first two courses of secondary Education (ESO) in relation to the official curriculum. On the one hand, it is analyzed the heuristic strategies used in solving a selection of problems in the first course of ESO (12–13 years old) competition and, on the other hand, it is characterized the intuitive knowledge developed in the process of solving these problems. This study highlights a curricular mismatch and the need of a teaching which addresses the development and exemplification of heuristic strategies and which promotes their use in problem solving, the preferential use of displays and trial and error and a classification of intuitive knowledge is made.