OverviewThe interrelationship between mathematical problem solving and mathematics learning is receiving increasing attention. Mathematical problem solving is recognized as a research process in which calculating and obtaining correct answers is only one phase of several. Several studies in mathematics education have identified the use of strategies as essential to solving mathematical problems (Pape and Wang, 2003; Verschaffel et al., 1999). Cai (2003) found that when students use problem-solving strategies, they are more successful in solving a math problem. These problem-solving strategies, or heuristic strategies, are procedures that students must follow before reaching the calculation phase of problem solving. They are designed to help students understand and organize their responses to solve problems. Although there is evidence that heuristic strategies improved learners' responses to verbal mathematics problems, more attention should be paid to the study of heuristic strategies in solving non-routine mathematics problems, particularly among children of primary schools (Kaizer & Shore, 1995).Problem solving in SingaporeResearch on mathematics education in Singapore has a relatively short history (Foong, 2007). Given the downward trend in problem-solving research internationally, Foong suggested that the large number of local problem-solving studies might be because problem-solving is the central theme of the curriculum of mathematics in Singapore schools since 1990. Problem solving only became one of the learning objectives of mathematics in the school curriculum in the 1970s (Fan, 2007). In the context of processes, heuristics for the pro...... middle of article ......thesis published in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education.Teo, CH (1997). Ministerial statement during the budget debate in Parliament, Singapore, July. Pape, SJ and Wang, C. (2003). Strategic behavior of middle school students: classification and relationship with academic success and mathematical problem solving. Instructional Science, 31, 419-449. Poly, G. (1973). How to solve it: A new aspect of the mathematical model. (2nd ed.). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Schoenfeld, A.H. (1985). Solving mathematical problems. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Verschaffel, L., de Corte, E., Lasure, S., Van Vaerenbergh, G., Bogaerts, H. and Ratinckx, E. (1999). Learning to solve mathematical application problems: a design experiment with fifth grade students. Mathematical thinking and learning, 1, 195-229.