Subject Specific Teaching Methods (Elementary Mathematics)

Subject Specific Teaching Methods (Elementary Mathematics)

Introduction

Everyone faces problems in the world. Some problems are small, while some are big. The simpler ones can be easily solved; however the complicated ones need much effort to be made. Problem solving is the terminology that is used to refer to use of data, knowledge, facts and skills to solve a problem (LCCC, 2012). In mathematics, the term problem solving means the process of working through details of a problem to reach a solution. Problem solving means to make use of available mathematical tools in order to solve a particular mathematical problem. The term problem solving is not limited to just mathematics. In general, the term is used for the solution of any specific problem by using available methods, techniques, tools and algorithms. The term is also used in fields like psychology, engineering, medicine and science. Problem solving is the method that is applied when there is no specific solution to it, or the solution path is not obvious (Robertson, 2001).

In 1945, George Polya devised a four stage model to solve problems. The four stages of problem solving in his model were “understand the problem”, “devise a plan”, “carry out the plan” and 'look back”. The first stage “understand the problem” means to understand the actual problem completely and to make sure that enough information is available regarding it. The second stage “devise a plan” means to choose a reasonable and workable strategy to work out the problem. According to Polya's model, the ability to choose the best strategy for a specific problem is improved by solving many problems. some of the common strategies in this regard can be “guess and check”, “look for a pattern”, “make an orderly list”, “draw a picture”, “eliminate possibilities”, “solve a simpler ...