Mindful Maths The Polya problem solving method LO

Mindful Maths The Polya problem solving method LO: I will develop and then apply my problem solving skills

Think fast! 2 minute Question activity LO: I will develop and then apply my problem solving skills 1. Are you a good problem solver? 2. When was the last time you solved a problem by yourself? 3. How did you feel before you solved it? 4. How did you feel after you solved it? 5. How did you solve the problem? 6. Would you use this strategy again?

Polya: “The Father of Problem Solving” § George Pólya was a Hungarian mathematician who wrote extensively about maths and problem solving § In his works including ‘How to Solve it’ he gives advice to students about how to solve mathematical problems.

Why is problem solving good? Raise your hand you can write it up here

POLYA’S PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD Step 1: Understand the problem. Ask yourself: What’s the goal? 1) Do I understand all the words in the problem? 2) What am I asked to find or show? 3) Can I rephrase the problem in my own words? 5) Is there enough information for me to solve the problem? 6) Do I need to ask myself any questions to get the answers? Step 2: Devise a plan (pick a strategy) What strategy should I use? e. g. Looking for a pattern, draw a diagram, draw a table , guess and check, Solve an equation? Step 3: Carry out the plan (solve). Step 4: Look back (check and reflect) If one doesn’t work, try another, be clear and organised with your working out. Reflect and look back on your step s and your solution. What worked? What didn’t? Could you use this method again? Which strategy is best? Time to act! Did I solve it?

Check your memory! Step 1: Understand the problem Step 2 : ? Step 3: ? Step 4: ?

Problem #1 • John and Alya John is 40 and is eight times older than his daughter Alya. How old will they both be when John is twice as old as Alya ? Your turn…

Problem #2 • Dominoes on the Chessboard If the two opposite corners are removed can the board be covered with dominoes? Explain your answer.

Shaking Hands 13 students line up in a straight line in the front of the classroom. Each student will shake hand with every other student and then go back to his/her seat. how many hand shakes occurred?

Reflection 3, 2, 1, 3 - things you learned 2 - things you want to know more about 1 - Question you have