Use of Heuristics Checklist—Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	Date Observed	Proficiency	Comments
Knowledge: Student breaks down problem into parts.
Student makes tables, charts, or lists.
Student draws diagrams.
Student finds patterns.
Student compares similar problems.
Student represents problem in symbols.
Student role-plays.
Student makes models.
Student simplifies problem.
Student works backwards.
Student uses elimination.
Student compares and contrasts data.
Student accounts for all possibilities.
Student uses successive approximation (repeated attempts that gradually improve in quality).
Student tests possible solutions.
Student classifies information.
Student chooses effective notation.
Student exploits symmetry.
Student uses learned heuristics independently.
Flexibility: Student chooses appropriate problem solving methods for learning style and type of problem.
Student modifies problem solving methods.
Student invents new problem solving methods.

Learning Goals