Polya’s problem-solving model is a structured approach that can help learners tackle mathematical problems systematically. It consists of four main steps: Understand the problem, Devise a plan, Carry out the plan, and Reflect on the solution. Here’s how these steps can be adapted for foundation phase learners, along with examples:
Step 1: Understand the Problem
Objective: Identify what is being asked in the problem.
Example:
- Problem: “There are 5 apples on the table. Lisa picks 2 apples. How many apples are left?”
- Activity: Ask students to read the problem together. They can draw pictures of apples to visualize the scenario. Guide them to highlight the important parts: "5 apples," "Lisa picks 2 apples," and "how many are left?"
Step 2: Devise a Plan
Objective: Come up with a strategy to solve the problem.
Example:
- Method: “We can subtract the number of apples Lisa picked from the total number of apples.”
- Activity: Encourage students to think of different ways they might solve this. They could suggest using counters, drawing, or writing a number sentence (5 - 2 = ?).
Step 3: Carry Out the Plan
Objective: Execute the strategy chosen in the previous step.
Example:
- Execution: Students can use counters to represent the 5 apples. Then, they can remove 2 counters to see how many are left or write down the number sentence they devised and calculate it.
- Activity: Guide them through the calculation: “If we start with 5 apples and take away 2, how many are left?” They should arrive at the answer: 3 apples.
Step 4: Reflect on the Solution
Objective: Look back at the solution to ensure it makes sense and learn from the process.
Example:
- Review: After arriving at the answer, ask students questions such as: “Does it make sense that if you had 5 apples and took away 2, you would have 3 left?”
- Activity: Encourage them to discuss other ways to check their work, such as counting the apples again or thinking about the problem in a different way (e.g., adding the apples Lisa took back to see if they get back to 5).
Summary:
Using Polya’s model provides a clear framework for young learners to approach problem-solving in a logical manner. By guiding them through each step with relatable problems and activities, they can develop confidence and skills in math that will serve them well in later stages of education.
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