Polya's problem-solving model consists of four key steps: Understanding the Problem, Making a Plan, Carrying Out the Plan, and Reviewing/Looking Back. Below are examples of how these steps can be applied in the foundation phase of education (typically for young learners).
1. Understanding the Problem
Example: A teacher presents the problem: "There are 5 apples in a basket, and you take away 2. How many apples are left in the basket?"
Steps:
- Identify the key information: Students should recognize that 5 is the total number of apples and 2 is the number taken away.
- Determine what is being asked: The question is how many apples remain.
2. Making a Plan
Example: For the apple problem, the teacher encourages students to think about how they can find the answer.
Steps:
- Choose a strategy: The students may decide to use counting, subtraction, or drawing a picture.
- Discuss their approach: Students could share plans such as taking away 2 from 5 using counters or by writing a simple equation (5 - 2).
3. Carrying Out the Plan
Example: Students execute their chosen strategy to solve the apple problem.
Steps:
- Implement the strategy: If they are using counters, they physically take away 2 counters from a set of 5.
- Calculate and find the answer: After the action, students count the remaining apples to find that 3 apples are left.
4. Reviewing/Looking Back
Example: After arriving at an answer, the teacher encourages students to verify and reflect on their solution.
Steps:
- Check the work: Students compare their final answer (3) with their original problem and ensure they correctly counted and subtracted.
- Discuss their process: The teacher asks questions about how they felt about their approach and what worked or didn’t work. For instance, "Was using counters helpful? Would a drawing have been easier?"
This method not only helps students solve the problem at hand but also develops their critical thinking and reasoning skills as they learn to reflect on their methods and choices.
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