2.

Conjecturing - The conjecturing phase involves

Mathematical Investigation collecting and organizing data, looking for
Mathematical Investigation is an open- patterns, inference and generalizing.
ended mathematical task that involves not only 3. Justifying conjectures - In the final phase, the
problem solving, but equally importantly, problem students are to justify and explain their inferences
posing as well. and generalizations.
In this strategy, the word “investigation”
does not refer to the process that may occur when
solving a close-ended problem but an activity in Always remember that although
itself that promotes independent mathematical mathematical rules or theorems may arise as
thinking. results of the mathematical investigation, they are
not the objectives of an investigate lesson – the
An investigation may be defined as a objective is the investigation itself; the exercise of
situation originating in Mathematics or the real creative thinking and problem-solving that the
world which lends itself to inquiry. students underwent as they investigated.
A mathematics investigation allows Mathematical investigation is not after the
students to examine situations using various teaching and learning of some competency in the
techniques and in the process of their exploration, curriculum; it is about developing the
develop skills that can be applied to other mathematical habits of the mind.
problems.
Difference between Problem-Solving and
Mathematical Investigation
Problem Solving
Closed problems, has a beginning and has
an end.
Has a clear goal specified in the statement
of the problem.
Is a convergent activity with a well-
defined goal and answer.
Mathematical Investigation
An open-ended problem or statement that
lends itself to the possibility of multiple pathways
being explored, leading to a variety of ideas
and/or solutions.
Exploration of an unknown land where the
journey is the goal, not the destination.
Allows students to ask their own
questions, explore their own interests, an set their
own goals.
3 Main phases of Mathematical investigation
1. Problem – posing - In the problem-posing
phase, the students explore the given situation and
come up with a mathematical problem that they
would want to engage in.