Explain the four steps of Polya’s problem solving model and state how the model is important

Question

in teaching mathematics in the foundation phase? Give one mathematical example in each
case.

Answer 1

Polya’s problem solving model consists of four steps: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. This model is important in teaching mathematics in the foundation phase as it provides a structured approach for students to tackle math problems and develop problem-solving skills.

1. Understanding the problem: In this step, students need to read and comprehend the problem, identify the key information, and determine what is being asked. For example, in a problem like "If Sally has 3 apples and she gives 1 to her friend, how many apples does she have left?", students need to recognize that Sally starts with 3 apples, gives away 1, and they need to find out how many she has left.

2. Devising a plan: Once students understand the problem, they need to come up with a plan for solving it. This may involve using mathematical concepts, drawing diagrams, or breaking the problem into smaller steps. For example, in a problem like "Tom has 5 marbles and he wants to share equally with his 2 friends. How many marbles will each person get?", students can devise a plan to divide the total number of marbles by the number of people.

3. Carrying out the plan: Students then implement their plan by performing the necessary calculations and operations to solve the problem. For example, in the previous problem, students would divide 5 marbles by 3 people to find out that each person will get 1 marble.

4. Looking back: In the final step, students reflect on their solution, check their work for errors, and consider if their answer makes sense. They may also think about alternative approaches to solve the problem. For example, in the problem "If Jane has 4 pencils and she buys 3 more, how many pencils does she have in total?", students can check their work by adding 4 and 3 to see if it equals the correct total.

Overall, Polya’s problem solving model helps students develop critical thinking skills, improve their mathematical reasoning, and become more confident problem solvers. By following this structured approach, students in the foundation phase can effectively tackle math problems and develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.