Estrategias heurísticas en la resolución de problemas matemáticos en la educación básica regular. Revisión sistemática

Source abstract

Context: Heuristic strategies enable students to approach mathematical problems through flexible and diverse procedures, fostering conceptual understanding and the development of problem-solving skills. Their incorporation into basic education represents an alternative for strengthening cognitive processes and positive attitudes toward mathematics learning. Objective: To analyze the development and application of heuristic strategies aimed at mathematical problem solving among students in Regular Basic Education. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was performed in the SciELO and Google Scholar databases, considering publications from 2019 to 2025. After applying the established selection criteria, 17 articles were included in the analysis. Results: The studies reviewed revealed growing interest in the application of heuristic strategies for mathematical problem solving. The evidence reported improvements in analytical skills, procedural understanding, and the development of strategies for approaching mathematical problems. These methodologies also promoted collaborative learning and contributed to strengthening positive attitudes toward mathematics. The findings further highlighted their contribution to the development of critical and creative thinking, particularly when activities encourage students to explore different solution alternatives. Conclusions: Heuristic strategies constitute a relevant pedagogical approach for strengthening mathematical problem solving in Regular Basic Education. Their implementation promotes analytical processes, critical and creative thinking, and positive attitudes toward mathematics learning. However, further empirical research using more rigorous methodological designs is needed to strengthen the evidence regarding their effectiveness.