Problem Solving in Guided Math Groups: Part 4
Polya’s Problem Solving Method
This is part of a series of problem solving discussions.
Polya states that Step 2 is to Devise a Plan. I find this to be the most tricky part for students. What kind of plan? Where do I start? How do I know what to use? Well there is the usual list:
Guess and check
Solve a simpler problem
Make an organized list
Experiment
Draw a picture or diagram
Act it out
Look for a pattern
Work backwards
Make a table
Use deduction
Use a variable
Change your point of view
We must practice out all these various types of problems with our students if we ever want them to get proficient in using these strategies. Here are some websites and articles that have great practice problems and examples:
http://www.mathstories.com/strategies.htm
http://mathlearnnc.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4507283&pageId=5856325
http://mathlearnnc.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4507283&pageId=5856332
(Look at this interactive model making site (be sure to watch the tutorial it explains everything): http://www.thinkingblocks.com/Model_It.html)
http://nrich.maths.org/public/
http://www.figurethis.org/index.html
http://math.about.com/od/wordproblem1/Worksheets_for_Word_Problems_Various_grades.htm
http://www.asdk12.org/depts/step/disability/documents/Article5.pdf
http://www.k8accesscenter.org/trainingresources/mathprimaryproblemsolving.asp
http://www.austintown.k12.oh.us/~aust_tr/PSS%20Teaching%20Problem%20Solving%20Strategies.pdf
http://www.cldinternational.org/PDF/Initiatives/MathSeries/kelly.pdf
http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/teaching-guides/teaching-activities/problem-solving/
http://www.cirtl.net/DiversityResources/resources/resource-book/teachingstudentstosolveproblems.htm
Let’s Play Math (a great blog) has a great post about problem solving articles:
http://letsplaymath.net/2010/05/24/best-articles-about-solving-word-problems/
Greetings Dr. Nicki,
These strategy plans are the exact posters which are highlighted each month throughout the school. The students are encouraged to use this whenever they solve a problem. They definitely provide a guide about where to start. I can’t tell you how valuable this series of posts have been, especially in the beginning of the year.
Lisa Pietrosimone
September 15, 2010