Students' Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (PCK) on Problem Solving Heuristics: Basis for Training Enhancement

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to determine the level of pedagogical and content knowledge (PCK) on problem-solving heuristics as the basis for training enhancement based on the least-learned competencies in problem-solving heuristics. The respondents were the preservice teachers who have taught mathematics subjects during their practice teaching school year 2018-2019. Purposive sampling was employed. The result showed that Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) math majors were low while the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) were very low knowledge on problem-solving heuristics. The most common strategy used by the preservice teachers in solving problems was the algebraic approach or using an equation, making an organized list, and drawing a diagram. In terms of PCK, the BSEd has low pedagogical knowledge, high content knowledge, and average pedagogical knowledge, while the BEEd has low pedagogical knowledge, average content knowledge, and low pedagogical content knowledge on problemsolving heuristics. This simply means that the BSEd and BEEd’s conceptual and procedural knowledge of problem-solving heuristics is at acceptable and below acceptable levels, respectively. As a whole, the pre-service teachers have low pedagogical content knowledge, average content knowledge, and low pedagogical content knowledge on problem-solving heuristics. This simply means that the BSEd and BEEd’s conceptual and procedural knowledge on solving problems are acceptable and below acceptable levels, respectively. As a whole, the pre-service teachers have low pedagogical knowledge, average content knowledge, and low pedagogical content knowledge on problem-solving heuristics. Knowledge of content and pedagogy has a significant role during the teaching and learning process. Thus, the pre-service teachers must have a deep mathematical understanding and adequate conceptual and procedural knowledge of the different problem-solving heuristics so that they can transmit this to their students when they are in the field.