OverviewThere has been an increasing focus on the interrelationship between mathematical problem solving and mathematical learning. Mathematical problem solving has been recognized as an inquiry process in which calculating and deriving correct answers is only one of several steps. Several studies in mathematics education have identified the use of strategies as central to solving mathematical problems (Pape & Wang, 2003; Verschaffel et al., 1999). Cai (2003) found that when students use problem-solving strategies, they are more successful in solving a mathematical problem. These problem solving strategies, or heuristic strategies, are procedures that students should adopt before reaching the calculation stage of problem solving. They are designed to help students understand and organize their responses to answer problems. Although there is evidence that heuristic strategies improved students' responses to mathematical word problems, more attention should be paid to the study of heuristic strategies in solving nonroutine mathematical problems, especially among primary school children (Kaizer & Shore, 1995). solve in SingaporeResearch in mathematics education in Singapore has a relatively short history (Foong, 2007). Given the decreasing trend of problem-solving research internationally, Foong suggested that the large number of local graduate studies on problem-solving may be due to the fact that problem-solving has been the central theme of the mathematics curriculum of schools in Singapore since 1990. Problem solving only began to be one of the mathematics learning objectives in the curriculum in the 1970s (Fan, 2007). In the context of processes, heuristics for pro...... middle of paper ......published master's thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education.Teo, CH (1997). Ministerial statement at budget debate in Parliament, Singapore, July. Pape, S. J., & Wang, C. (2003). Strategic behavior of middle school children: Classification and relationship to academic performance and mathematical problem solving. Educational Sciences, 31, 419-449.Poly, G. (1973). How to solve it: a new aspect of the mathematical model. (2nd ed.). Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Schoenfeld, A. H. (1985). Solving mathematical problems. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice Hall.Verschaffel, L., de Corte, E., Lasure, S., Van Vaerenbergh, G., Bogaerts, H., & Ratinckx, E. (1999). Learning to solve mathematical application problems: A design experiment with fifth graders. Mathematical thinking and learning, 1, 195-229.