Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 187 views

    Problem-Solving Definition and Process

    Uploaded by

    lorenzo folloso
    This document outlines the key aspects of problem solving in mathematics education. It defines problem solving as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Problem solving involves skills like creativity, critical thinking, and making connections. The document differentiates between routine problems, which can be solved using familiar methods, and non-routine problems, which require more novel approaches. It also describes George Polya's influential four-step framework for problem solving: understand the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan, and look back. The document emphasizes that teaching problem solving skills is an important part of mathematics education.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Problem-Solving Definition and Process

    Uploaded by

    lorenzo folloso
    187 views31 pages
    This document outlines the key aspects of problem solving in mathematics education. It defines problem solving as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Problem solving involves skills like creativity, critical thinking, and making connections. The document differentiates between routine problems, which can be solved using familiar methods, and non-routine problems, which require more novel approaches. It also describes George Polya's influential four-step framework for problem solving: understand the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan, and look back. The document emphasizes that teaching problem solving skills is an important part of mathematics education.

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    This document outlines the key aspects of problem solving in mathematics education. It defines problem solving as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Problem solving involves skills like creativity, critical thinking, and making connections. The document differentiates between routine problems, which can be solved using familiar methods, and non-routine problems, which require more novel approaches. It also describes George Polya's influential four-step framework for problem solving: understand the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan, and look back. The document emphasizes that teaching problem solving skills is an important part of mathematics education.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    187 views31 pages

    Problem-Solving Definition and Process

    Uploaded by

    lorenzo folloso
    This document outlines the key aspects of problem solving in mathematics education. It defines problem solving as the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Problem solving involves skills like creativity, critical thinking, and making connections. The document differentiates between routine problems, which can be solved using familiar methods, and non-routine problems, which require more novel approaches. It also describes George Polya's influential four-step framework for problem solving: understand the problem, devise a plan, carry out the plan, and look back. The document emphasizes that teaching problem solving skills is an important part of mathematics education.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 31

    LESSON 1:

    Problem Solving and


    Mathematics
    Education
    LESSON OBJECTIVES
    • articulate a definition of problem solving;

    • differentiate between routine and non-routine problems;

    • outline the steps in problem solving from personal


    practice vis a vis those outlined by Polya and others;

    • explain the significance of problem solving in mathematics


    education.
    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)

    Problem solving is a complex skill involving curiosity,


    creativity, connecting to prior learning, collaborating, critical
    thinking and having insight.

    Problem solving is a productive and creative human in action.

    Just imagine yourself the moment when you say “ah ha” during
    discussion as you discover something new yet tricky not
    knowing that you are already discovering things as you went
    through the process of solving.
    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)

    • Problem-Solving is the process of finding solutions to


    difficult or complex issues (Oxford Dictionary)

    • Finding a way around a difficulty, around an obstacle,


    and finding a solution to a problem that is unknown
    (Polya, 1945 & 1962)
    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)
    Other definitions
    • special importance in the study of mathematics (Wilson, Fernandez and
    Hadaway, 2011)
    • “…to develop a generic ability in solving real-life problems and to apply
    mathematics in real life situations.”

    • “…for a deeper understanding of concepts.”

    • “Successful mathematical problem-solving depends upon on many factors


    and skills with different characteristics.”

    • “…many skills are needed for a learner to be effective problem solver.”


    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)
    Other definitions:

    • One of the most complex topics to teach (Dendane, 2009).

    • “Quantify numerically and spatially natural as well as man-made situations.” • It


    has helped in making social economic and technological advances (Dendane).

    • Learning facts and contents in mathematics are important but these are not
    enough. Students should learn how to use these facts to develop their thinking
    skills in solving problems. Special mention for the development of problem
    solving ability has been accepted by mathematics educators (Stanic and
    Kilpatrick, 1989) and genuine mathematical problem-solving is one of the most
    important components in any mathematics program or curriculum
    (Stacey,2005; Halmos, 1980; Cockroft, 1982).
    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)
    Other definitions:

    Mathematical problem-solving may help students to improve and develop the


    standard ability to solve real-life problems, (Reys et al.2001), to develop critical
    thinking skills and reasoning , to gain deep understanding of concepts
    (Schoenfeld, 1992; Schoen and
    Charles, 2003 ) and to work in
    groups, cooperate and interact with each other (Dendane).

    Dendane
    What is Problem-Solving? (Definition and Process)

    Other definitions and processes.

    Specifically, it may also improve eagerness of an individual to try to analyze


    mathematical problems and to improve their determination and self-concepts
    with respect to the abilities to solve; make the individual aware of the problem
    solving strategies, value of approaching problems in an orderly manner and that
    many problems can be solved in more than one; improve individual abilities to
    select appropriate solution activities, capacity to implement solution strategies
    accurately and abilities to get the correct answer to problems (Hong, Kee and
    Singh, 2013)
    What is problem
    solving for you?
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE PROBLEMS
    ROUTINE PROBLEMS SOLVING
    • From curriculum point of view, routine problem solving involves using at
    least one of the four arithmetic operations and/or ratio to solve
    problems that are practical in nature.

    • Routine problems are problems that we solve by using the formula,


    symbol and so on. the problem leads to an answer. the problem is either
    we have been done before or almost the same with a question that we
    have been solved.
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE PROBLEMS
    ROUTINE PROBLEMS SOLVING
    • From curriculum point of view, routine problem solving involves using at
    least one of the four arithmetic operations and/or ratio to solve
    problems that are practical in nature.

    • Routine problems are problems that we solve by using the formula,


    symbol and so on. the problem leads to an answer. the problem is either
    we have been done before or almost the same with a question that we
    have been solved.
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE

    PROBLEMS ROUTINE PROBLEM SOLVING

    Example:
    Julius had 42 apple. She gave some to her friend. Now
    he has 17 apples. How many did he give to her friend.
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE PROBLEMS
    NON-ROUTINE PROBLEM SOLVING
    • Non routine problems are the problem that need us to think! try
    to understand the problem deeper. It doesn't show or give us the
    answer on the spot, but it is minimizing the difficulties of the
    question.

    • A non-routine problem is any complex problem that requires


    some degree or creativity or originally to solve. Non-routine
    problems have typically do not have an immediately apparent
    strategy for solving them. Often times, these problem can be
    solved in multiple ways.
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE PROBLEMS
    NON-ROUTINE PROBLEM SOLVING
    Example

    There are 45 questions in an exam. For every correct answer is five


    points and every wrong answer is three points deducted. Melissa
    scored 185 marks. How many correct answers did she give?
    ROUTINE VS. NON-ROUTINE PROBLEMS
    HOTS

    Higher Order
    Thinking Skills

    Problem Solving Strategies


    George Polya was a
    mathematics
    influencer (an educator) who
    strongly believed that skills of
    problem can be taught. He
    worked a
    framework known as the Polya’s
    Four-Steps in Problem Solving.
    Problem Solving Strategies
    The major target of this method is to
    help students establish a
    systematic
    strategy in problem solving and
    relieve
    difficulty of fresh learners
    specially for
    those that are of poor
    mathematical
    foundation. He firmly believed
    that the
    most efficient way of learning
    mathematical concepts is through
    problem solving building students and
    teachers become a better problem
    solver.
    Problem Solving Strategies

    This module presents the four-step process that forms the basis of any
    serious attempt at problem solving. The Polya’s four step in problem
    solving are:
    1. Understand the Problem.
    2. Devise a plan.
    3. Carry out a plan.
    4. Look back.
    Problem Solving Strategies
    In order to become a problem solver, one should recognize and follow Polya’s
    four steps which help to examine each of steps and determine what is involved.
    Commonly, a mathematical problem s presented verbally whether orally or
    written. We will solve the mathematical problems using mathematical symbols,

    then interpret the answer.

    Problem Solving Strategies

    Step 1: Understanding the Problem


    Sometimes the problem lies in the comprehension the problem itself.
    Understand the problem is often neglected as being obvious and is not
    even mentioned in many mathematics classes. To help us interpret the
    problem correctly, we might consider the following guide questions:
    Problem Solving Strategies
    Step 1: Understanding the Problem
    Sometimes the problem lies in the comprehension the problem itself.
    Understand the problem is often neglected as being obvious and is not
    even mentioned in many mathematics classes.
    • What is the goal? • What is the condition? • What sort
    • What is asked? of problem is it? • What is known
    or unknown?
    • Is there enough information?

    • Can you draw figure to illustrate the


    problem?
    • Is there any way to paraphrase the
    problem? • Do you understand all the • Do you need to ask the question to get
    words used in stating the problem? the answer?

    Problem Solving
    Strategies Step 2: Devise a Plan
    Devising a plan (translating) is a way to solve the problem by
    picturing how we are going to attack the problem. These are the
    several devices based on the book of Polya.
    • Act it out.
    • Be systematic. Draw a picture/diagram. •

    • Consider special cases. • WorkApply variable such a x. •


    backwards. • Eliminate Innovate/look for formula. •

    possibilities. • Conduct/perform Write an equation (or model). •


    an Look for a pattern or patterns.

    • Make a list or table/chart. •


    experiment.
    Problem Solving
    Strategies Step 2: Devise a Plan
    Devising a plan (translating) is a way to solve the problem by
    picturing how we are going to attack the problem. These are the
    several devices based on the book of Polya.

    Use direct or indirect reasoning.


    Solve simple version of the problem.
    Guess and check your answer (trial
    and error).
    Problem Solving Strategies
    Step 3: Carry out the Plan.
    In carrying out the plan (solve), we need to execute the equation we came up from
    the second step (Devise a Plan). The major ticket is to persevere and carefully
    analyze, even if we are enough skills. One error in the first step wouldn’t make it
    solve the problem, accurately. Work carefully.
    Be patient.
    Modify the plan or try a new plan. isn’t working.

    Keep trying until something Keep a complete and accurate record


    of your work.
    works.
    Be determined and don’t et discourage if
    Implement strategies. the plan does not work immediately.

    Try another strategy if the first one

    Problem Solving Strategies


    Step 4: Look Back.
    This step helps in identifying if there is a mistake in a solution. Its time to reflect
    and look back at what is done, what worked, and what didn’t.

    Look for an easier/ less complicated solution.


    Does it answer the question?
    Does the answer make sense?
    Review any computed value involved in the solution.

    Problem Solving Strategies


    Step 4: Look Back.
    This step helps in identifying if there is a mistake in a solution. Its time to reflect
    and look back at what is done, what worked, and what didn’t.

    Interpret the solution with the facts of the problem.


    Can the solution be extended to a more general case?
    All situations related to the problem should be emphasized.
    Are there any other solution aside from this?
    Is the solution consistent in the content of what is asked?
    What are your
    personal practices on
    problem solving?
    MATHEMATICS
    EDUCATION
    WHAT IS MATHEMATICS
    EDUCATION?
    Mathematics Education is referred to as the practice of
    teaching and learning of mathematics in a way of
    problem-solving involving algorithms and formulas necessary
    for the computations.

    It is a platform to learn and teach mathematics with better way.


    WHAT IS MATHEMATICS
    EDUCATION?
    Mathematics Education is referred to as the practice of
    teaching and learning of mathematics in a way of
    problem-solving involving algorithms and formulas necessary
    for the computations.

    It is a platform to learn and teach mathematics with better way.

    WHAT IS MATHEMATICS
    EDUCATION?
    The practice of teaching and learning mathematics, along
    with associated scholarly research:

    PotenziaMente: A Collection of Online games for


    Learning Mathematics and Enhance Thought
    Processes

    https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/potenziamente-collection
    online-games-learning/72058

    WHAT IS MATHEMATICS
    EDUCATION?
    The systems that encompass aspects of teaching, learning
    and assessing mathematics.

    Critical Thinking and Mathematics Teaching and Learning

    https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/critical-thinking-and
    mathematics-teaching-and-learning/226429

    You might also like