STRATEGIC PROBLEM SOLVING

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Types of problems Polyas Problem Solving Model Problem Solving Strategies

WHY PROBLEM SOLVING?

Problem solving is the most basic of mathematical skills- the reason for studying mathematics Problem solving is an integral part of the larger area of critical thinking, which is universally accepted goal for all education Problem solving shows an interaction between mathematical ideas In the classroom can lessen the gap between real world problem and the classroom world and thus set a more positive mood in the classroom.

WHAT IS A PROBLEM?

A PROBLEM IS A TASK FOR THE PERSON CONFRONTING IT WANTS OR NEEDS TO FIND A SOLUTION HAS NO READILY AVAILABLE PROCEDURE FOR FINDING A SOLUTION, AND MUST MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO FIND A SOLUTION.

CHARLES & LESTER (1982)

TYPES OF PROBLEMS

ROUTINE PROBLEM

Routine problems are those that merely involved an arithmetic operation with the characteristics: Presents a question to be answered Gives the facts or numbers to use Can be solved by direct application of previously learned algorithms and the basic task is to identify the operation appropriate for solving the problem. Example problems : Whats the area of a 100 meter x 1000 meter car lot? An employee makes RM8.50 per hour. How much will the employee makes in 40 hours?

NON-ROUTINE PROBLEM

It occurs when an individual is confronted with an unusual problem situation, and is not aware of a standard procedure for solving it. The individual has to create a procedure. To do so, he or she must become familiar with the problem situation, collect appropriate information, identify an efficient strategy, and use the strategy to solve the problem. Non-routine problems are those that call for the use of processes far more than those of routine problems with the characteristics: Use of strategies involving some non-algorithmic approaches Can be solved in many distinct ways requiring different thinking processes.

PROBLEM SOLVING

WHAT IS PROBLEM SOLVING?

Problem solving is the process of applying previously acquired knowledge, skills, and understanding to new and unfamiliar situations. Problem solving is the process used to find an answer to a statement or a question
(Hamada, R.Y. & Smith).

Example: There are 8 people in a room. Each person shakes hands with each of the other people once and only once. How many handshakes are there? A farmer has some horses and some chickens. He finds that together they have 70 heads and 200 legs. How many horses and how many chickens does he have?

PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESS

George Polya

George Polya identified four steps in the problem solving process :

Understanding the problem Devising a plan Carrying out the plan Looking back

Burton (1984)
He identified four phases in the problem solving process :
Entry Attack Review Extension

The Reality and Mathematics Education (RIME) program

The Reality and Mathematics Education (RIME) program recommended the following steps for mathematical problem solving :

Introduce the problem Pose the problem Allow students to carry out initial investigations Encourage students to check their predictions Assist students to develop a summary and conclusion to what they have been doing

Problem Solving Process (George Polya)

Understanding the problem

Can you state the problem in your own words? What are you trying to find or do? What information do you obtain from the problem? What are the unknowns? What information, if any, is missing or not needed?

Devising a plan

Find the connection between the data and the unknown. Consider auxiliary problem if an immediate connection can be found What strategies do you know? Try a strategy that seems as if it will work.

Carrying out the plan

Use the strategy you selected and work the problem. Check each step of the plan as you proceed Ensure that the steps are correct

Looking Back

Reread the question Did you answer the question asked? Is your answer correct? Does your answer seems reasonable?

Heuristic Approach

Heuristic encompasses all areas of problem solving both technical and non technical problem. Heuristic are the non-algorithmic tools, techniques and tricks that are used in problem solving Heuristic give pause to look problems in different ways to find new insights. E.g. PS heuristic for phase 1 Polya: