The need to know and discover new things has always been present in human beings, there has always been that creative and curious essence that surrounds us and motivates us to know more and more. That possibility of knowing everything and wanting to know everything It is one of the qualities of being that should never die, much less that ability to encompass in a single word a complex concept that gives life to something.
Such is the case of Heuristics, its etymological meaning refers to the verbs "find" or "invent", but there is still more, it turns out that in the world of grammar this word can be a noun, and its meaning within this classification refers to art or science of discovery. Curious no?
Heuristics
This term is derived from the Greek and fundamentally means "to find" and "to invent." It can have two classifications within the grammar, one is as an adjective and the other is as a noun, both still have the same meaning discovery-oriented.
Heuristics generally seeks to create strategies that guide this discovery, within pedagogy it is well used under the name of heuristic method, It seeks to establish strategies for the development of thinking while applying different evaluation methods to strengthen learning depending on the needs or aptitude for adaptation that the child has.
In the same vein, heuristics is a trait that humans possess by nature, thanks to it we can decipher the messages of life as an art or science, or it can be as an object of creativity the same that the individual possesses to create innovative solutions.
According to George Polya, the heuristic consists of the experience that involves solving problems and seeing how others do it. It is then that it can be considered as a work that is carried out collectively.
George Polya is the author of the book How to solve it originally how to solve it, There it raises a step-by-step scheme for the user learn how to apply heuristics in your life. The book illustrates the following premises step by step:
- If it becomes difficult to understand the problem, you need to draw a diagram.
- If you still can't find a solution, you can pretend you already have it and define what you can deduce from that solution.
- If the problem is abstract, you can try a figurative example.
- Try to tackle the general problem first.
In engineering
Within this science, terminology is applied as a set of methods based on experience that can be used as an aid in solving specific problems.
In psychology
It is directly related to creativity and there have been several proposals that defend it to become a rule that guides decision-making and explain on a purely practical level how people can effectively solve a problem.
Said terminology can represent mental shortcuts to reduce the cognitive process that a certain problem can bring about, it is an ideal way to reserve mental resources.
To understand a little more what are the fundamentals that heuristics explains as a scientific methodology based on its principles, rules and strategies as auxiliary learning methods, we have classified its structure according to the following:
- Heuristic principles: They constitute suggestions to find a possible solution directly, use analogies as means and ways of solution.
- Heuristic rules: they are the general impulse of the search processes and generally help to find the means to solve the problems.
- Heuristic strategies: they are an organizational resource for resolution processes that primarily help address the path that will solve the problem.
What is the heuristic method?
Already known the concept that explains for sure what heuristics is about, it is necessary to learn from the heuristic method. This method tries to implement the concept of heuristics according to the research and problem solving strategies that it proposes.
It is mainly focused on solving problems, it is not an optimized method that guarantees immediate results but it does meet the proposed objectives.
In general, the heuristic method consists of applying problem solving strategies by applying specific techniques. Due to its ability to provide a satisfactory solution to a cognitive process, it can be a mental alternative to reduce a heavy cognitive load.
Likewise, the heuristic method consists of empirical strategies (based on experience), practice and observation process of the facts have the purpose of giving an effective solution to a certain problem.
According to the premises proposed by George Polya en how to solve it, we can come to the conclusion that step by step can be seen as easy to achieve but can often become the main problem if they are not analyzed objectively.
Importance of the heuristic method within teaching
The heuristic method is fundamental within the teaching of science that has more weight in society, such is the case of the two examples previously raised, such as engineering and psychology.
Within psychology it is necessary for the student to have and put into use the various heuristic methods to make the learning process much more effective and meaningful.
Likewise, within the classrooms it is necessary that strategies that apply this terminology be evaluated from an early age, from less advanced levels to those that deserve a much higher cognitive process; of course, staying within the ease of the heuristic to solve problems without the need to involve a greater cognitive effort, at least that is the objective that science has in humanity.
On the other hand, the heuristic method must ensure that the student can become familiar with the premises it establishes how to solve it, This example can be of great help in creating a strategy based on your immediate problem-solving skills.
Virtues of the heuristic method within teaching
- He is able to develop habits that raise research among the student community.
- Create the habit of self-awareness.
- Develops autonomy skills in the student.
- As it is empirical in nature, it guarantees a solid and lasting learning system.
- Make the student diligent.