Polya's Problem Solving Model

Problems solving is integrated into all aspects of our math's lessons, but we decided to develop a whole school approach to problem solving based on Polya's Problem Solving Model. We wanted to give the children opportunities to develop key problem solving skills, so that are they are confident, resilient problem solvers who are able to apply their maths skills to a range of different problems with increasing independence.

Each half-term, the whole school is going to tackle a Thinking Theo's Problem Solving Challenge. Have a look at the photos from our first Thinking Theo's Challenge!

POLYA's 4 Step Problem Solving | Maths in the Modern World

Polya created his famous four-step process for problem solving, which is used all over the world to aid people in problem solving: Step 1: Understand the problem. Step 2: Devise a plan (translate). Step 3: Carry out the plan (solve). Step 4: Look back (check and interpret). *Video submitted by BSEd students | Project in MMW 1.

We used this problem in our staff meeting not with the children!

Problem Solving Model Polya.pdf