Pointers to Review : ✓Steps in problem solving from personal

practice vis a vis those outlined by Polya

✓Problem Solving : Definition and
– Enumeration
Process - Multiple Choice
 Polya’s Problem-solving
Problem Solving
Method
 the process of using
1. Understand the problem –
mathematical skills to solve real
understand the question
world problems
2. Devise a plan – figure out
Why do we need to Solve methods
Problems? 3. Carry out the plan – use the
 overcome obstacles method
 improve situations 4. Look back (check the
 achieve goals solution)
 learn from experiences
 progress in life ✓Factors that affect the problem-solving
Types of Problems process culled from personal experience
and journal articles - Enumeration &
 Routine Essay
- Can be solved using familiar  Factors:
methods and clear, - Nature of the Problem
straightforward procedures.  A mathematical problem
Example: involves discovering given
1.Calculating the total cost of information and ranking key
groceries by adding prices points.
2.Solving simple algebraic  Importance of clarity in
equation problem statements.
3.Following recipe to cook meal • A clear problem
statement ensures that
 Non-Routine
the problem is well-
- Requires more creativity,
understood and
higher-order thinking skills, and
actionable. It helps avoid
may have multiple solutions.
confusion,
Example:
misinterpretation, and
1.Designing new product wasted effort. Clarity
2.Solving Puzzle with multiple allows problem solvers to
possible solutions focus on relevant
 information and apply reasoning in calculations,
appropriate strategies. making complex
 Example of a well-structured problems easier to
vs. unclear problem. handle.
• Well-Structured: "A car  Challenges faced by students
travels at a speed of 60 who lack procedural
km/h for 3 hours. How far knowledge.
does it travel?" (Clear • Students without
given values, direct procedural knowledge
solution path) struggle with solving
• Unclear: "A car moves for problems systematically.
some time. How much They may find it difficult
distance does it cover?" to choose appropriate
(Lacks necessary details, methods, make frequent
ambiguous) calculation errors, and
 Problem-solving as goal lack confidence in their
achievement (self-set or solutions, leading to
external). frustration and poor
• Problem-solving is the academic performance.
process of achieving a
desired goal, whether it's - Degree of Difference
a personal challenge Between Initial and Goal
(self-set) or an assigned State
task (external). It involves  Definition of problem space.
identifying obstacles, • Problem space refers to
planning solutions, and the entire range of
implementing strategies possible states, actions,
to reach the objective. and solutions involved in
 Role of mathematical solving a problem. It
procedures in problem-solving. includes the initial state,
• Mathematical procedures goal state, and all
provide systematic intermediate steps
methods to solve required to reach the
problems efficiently. They solution.
ensure accuracy,  How complexity increases with
consistency, and logical more steps required.
 • As the number of steps in traditional use, limiting
a problem increases, creative problem-solving.
complexity rises due to  How it affects problem-solving
more decisions, efficiency.
calculations, and possible • Functional fixedness
errors. A longer solution prevents people from
path demands greater thinking outside the box,
cognitive effort, memory, leading to wasted time
and problem-solving and missed solutions. It
strategies. reduces adaptability and
 Example of a simple vs. innovation, making
complex problem-solving problem-solving slower
process. and less effective.
• Simple Problem: "What is  Example: Overcoming
5 + 3?" (Single-step, functional fixedness in real-life
straightforward situations.
calculation) • A person needs a
• Complex Problem: "A screwdriver but doesn’t
store offers a 20% have one. Instead of
discount on a $50 item. If giving up, they use a coin
a customer has a $10 or a butter knife to turn
coupon, what is the final the screw—
price after taxes (5%)?" demonstrating creative
(Multiple steps, requires problem-solving by
applying percentage seeing alternative uses
formulas and sequential for everyday objects.
calculations)  How to overcome functional
fixedness?
- Functional Fixedness • Challenge assumptions
 Inability to see alternative uses about an object's
of known tools. purpose.
• This refers to functional • Brainstorm multiple ways
fixedness, a cognitive an item can be used.
bias where individuals • Look at the problem from
only see objects or different perspectives.
methods for their
 • Experiment with • Promote the use of various
unconventional solutions. strategies to approach
 Strategies for flexible thinking problems, fostering flexibility
in problem-solving. in thinking.
• Divergent Thinking: 2. Fostering a Growth Mindset
Generate multiple solutions. • Encourage students to view
• Analogical Thinking: Apply challenges as opportunities
solutions from one area to for learning rather than
another. obstacles.
• Mind Mapping: Visually
3. Collaborative Learning
explore different possibilities.
• Implement group work to
• Questioning Assumptions:
allow students to share
Ask "What if?" and "Why
diverse approaches and
not?"
solutions.
• Reframing the Problem:
View it from a new angle or 4. Reflective Practice
context. • Incorporate reflection
sessions where students
✓Pedagogical elements in the analyze their problem-
implementation problem solving - T or F solving processes and
DEVELOPING PROBLEM-SOLVING outcomes.
SKILLS IN MATHEMATICS: KEY
PEDAGOGICAL ELEMENTS (BY Z.  IMPLEMENTATION
BRADSHAW AND A. HAZELL (2017)) STRATEGIES
 OBJECTIVES OF THE 1. Designing Open-Ended
LESSON STUDY Problems
- Identify how students approach Create problems that allow for
mathematical problem-solving. multiple entry points and solutions
- Recognize barriers students to encourage creative thinking.
face during problem-solving. 2. Scaffolding Student Learning
- Explore methods to develop Provide support structures that
and improve these skills over guide students through the
time. problem-solving process without
 KEY PEDAGOGICAL giving away solutions.
ELEMENTS IDENTIFIED
3. Integrating Real-World
1. Encouraging Multiple Applications
Problem-Solving Strategies
Connect mathematical problems CONCLUSION
to real-life contexts to enhance • Reiterate the importance of
relevance and engagement. implementing diverse
 OVERCOMING BARRIERS pedagogical strategies to
IDENTIFIED CHALLENGES develop students' problem-
• Students' reluctance to solving skills.
engage with unfamiliar • Encourage ongoing
problem types. reflection and adaptation of
• Dependence on rote teaching practices based on
memorization over lesson study findings.
conceptual understanding.
Solutions: ✓Problem posing: Closed versus open
ended problems - Essay (Define)
• Gradually introduce complex
problems to build
confidence.
• Emphasize understanding
underlying concepts rather
than just procedures.
 BENEFITS OF THE LESSON
STUDY APPROACH
For Teachers:
• Enhanced understanding of
student difficulties and
1. Closed-Ended Problems
misconceptions.
• Opportunities for Definition:
professional collaboration and
development. Closed-ended problems have a single
correct answer and a clear method
For Students:
for arriving at the solution. These
• Improved problem-solving problems are structured and require
skills and mathematical applying known formulas, rules, or
reasoning. procedures.
• Increased confidence in
tackling complex problems. Characteristics:
✅ One correct solution thinking, creativity, and deeper
✅ Defined steps to solve analysis.
✅ Typically found in standardized
Characteristics:
tests and mathematics
✅ Focus on procedural knowledge ✅ More than one possible answer
✅ Encourages creativity and
Examples:
discussion
 Mathematics: "Solve for x: 2x + ✅ Often used in research, real-world
5 = 15." problem-solving, and innovation
 Physics: "What is the velocity ✅ Requires reasoning and
of a car traveling 100 meters in justification
5 seconds?"
Examples:
 Sports Science: "Calculate the
BMI of an athlete given their  Mathematics: "Find a pattern
weight and height." in the sequence 2, 4, 8, 16…
and explain how it can be
Advantages:
extended."
✔ Develops accuracy and efficiency  Sports Science: "How can an
✔ Strengthens foundational athlete improve endurance
knowledge without increasing training
✔ Easier to assess objectively time?"
 Business: "What strategies can
Limitations: a company use to increase
❌ Limits creativity and critical customer loyalty?"
thinking
Advantages:
❌ Does not encourage exploration of
multiple approaches ✔ Encourages deeper thinking and
exploration
2. Open-Ended Problems
✔ Develops problem-solving and
Definition: decision-making skills
✔ Fosters creativity and innovation
Open-ended problems allow for
multiple possible solutions and Limitations:
approaches. They require critical
❌ Harder to assess objectively fostering creativity and deeper
❌ May require more time and effort thinking.
to solve
Conclusion
3. Comparing Closed-Ended
Problem posing is a key aspect of
and Open-Ended Problems
Closed-Ended problem-solving, and understanding
Feature Open-Ended Problems
Problems the difference between closed and
Number of
One correct answer Multiple possible answers
open-ended problems helps in
Solutions
selecting the right approach for
Approach Follows fixed steps
Requires creativity and different situations. While closed-
reasoning
ended problems strengthen basic
Objective Subjective (depends on
Assessment
(right/wrong) justification)
skills and accuracy, open-ended
problems promote deeper
Focuses on
Skill Encourages exploration
accuracy and understanding, creativity, and real-
Development and innovation
efficiency
world problem-solving abilities.
"Calculate heart "What factors affect an
Example in
rate after a 5- athlete’s recovery after a
Sports
minute run." game?"

✓Mathematical modeling and the real-

4. Application in Problem- world – Give
Solving
Mathematical Modeling and the
Both closed and open-ended Real-World in Problem-Solving
problems play a crucial role in
developing problem-solving skills: Mathematical modeling is the process
of using mathematical concepts,
🔹 Closed-ended problems are ideal structures, and equations to represent
for building fundamental skills and real-world situations. It helps in
understanding standard methods. problem-solving by simplifying
🔹 Open-ended problems help complex scenarios, making
develop critical thinking, predictions, and finding optimal
adaptability, and innovation for solutions.
real-world challenges.
1. What is Mathematical
For effective learning and problem- Modeling?
solving, a combination of both types
should be used, allowing for Mathematical modeling involves:
structured practice while also
  Identifying a real-world 🔹 Problem: How can a company
problem. maximize profits?
 Representing the problem using 🔹 Mathematical Model: Use cost-
mathematical symbols, revenue-profit equations to analyze
equations, graphs, or formulas. expenses and revenue.
 Analyzing the model to find 🔹 Solution: Adjust pricing, reduce
solutions. costs, or improve marketing
 Applying and interpreting strategies.
results in the real-world context.
b) Sports and Physical Education
🔹 Example: A business predicts
future sales using a mathematical 🔹 Problem: How can an athlete
model based on past data trends. improve performance?
🔹 Mathematical Model: Analyze
2. Importance of Mathematical speed, endurance, and training load
Modeling in Problem-Solving using statistics.
🔹 Solution: Optimize training
✅ Simplifies Complex Problems –
schedules based on data-driven
Breaks down complicated real-world
performance patterns.
situations into understandable
mathematical terms. c) Health and Medicine
✅ Predicts Outcomes – Helps
forecast trends and future events 🔹 Problem: How fast will a disease
based on existing data. spread in a population?
✅ Optimizes Solutions – Finds the 🔹 Mathematical Model: Use
most efficient and effective way to epidemiological models (e.g., SIR
solve a problem. model) to track infection rates.
✅ Applies to Multiple Fields – Used 🔹 Solution: Implement public health
in science, economics, engineering, measures based on predictions.
medicine, and sports.
d) Environmental Science
3. Applications of Mathematical
🔹 Problem: How can we reduce
Modeling in Real-World Problem-
pollution in a city?
Solving
🔹 Mathematical Model: Use air
a) Business and Economics quality index data and statistical
models to find pollution sources.
🔹 Solution: Implement traffic
control, green energy, and industrial ✓Patterns from a systematic exploration
of a problem situation - Compare &
regulations. Contrast

4. Steps in Mathematical Modeling Patterns from a Systematic

for Problem-Solving Exploration of a Problem
Situation
1️⃣ Define the Problem – Understand
the real-world issue. In problem-solving, systematic
2️⃣Formulate the Model – Translate exploration involves analyzing a
the problem into mathematical situation methodically to identify
equations or graphs. patterns that can lead to efficient
3️⃣ Analyze and Solve – Use solutions. Patterns emerge when
mathematical techniques to find we recognize relationships,
solutions. repetitions, or structures within a
4️⃣ Interpret Results – Convert problem, helping us generalize
mathematical solutions back into solutions and predict outcomes.
real-world applications. Here’s how patterns play a crucial
5️⃣ Validate and Improve – Check if role in problem-solving:
the model accurately represents
reality and make adjustments. 1. Understanding the Problem
Structure
Conclusion
 By systematically exploring a
Mathematical modeling is a powerful problem, we break it down
tool for solving real-world problems. into smaller components.
By converting complex situations  Recognizing patterns within
into mathematical terms, it enables these components allows us
better decision-making, prediction, to categorize problems
and optimization across different based on similarities.
fields. Whether in business, sports,
health, or the environment, 2. Recognizing Recurring
mathematical models help us Themes
understand and improve the world
 Many problems share
around us.
common structures or
mathematical relationships.
 Identifying recurring themes
(such as symmetry,
 sequences, or cause-effect  In business and economics:
relationships) helps in Market trends follow
applying previously learned identifiable patterns that
solutions to new problems. guide decision-making.

3. Finding Efficient Strategies "Domain-Specific Knowledge

and Algorithms" play a crucial
 Patterns often reveal role in identifying and solving
shortcuts or more efficient problems within a given domain
ways to approach a problem. by applying systematic
 Instead of solving each case exploration techniques. This
individually, recognizing a involves recognizing patterns,
pattern can lead to analyzing data, and leveraging
generalized formulas or specialized algorithms tailored
rules. to the problem space.
4. Making Predictions Understanding Domain-
 Patterns help in forecasting Specific Knowledge
possible outcomes and Domain-specific knowledge
making informed decisions. refers to the expertise,
 For example, in concepts, and principles unique
mathematical problems, to a particular field. In problem-
recognizing a numerical solving, this knowledge allows
sequence allows us to individuals to:
predict future numbers.
o Identify relevant variables
5. Problem-Solving in Different
and constraints.
Fields
o Recognize common
 In sports and physical patterns in problem
education: Movement situations.
patterns help in improving o Apply proven heuristics or
techniques and strategies. strategies.
 In science and engineering:
For example, in Physical
Patterns in data analysis
Education, domain-specific
help in formulating
knowledge includes
hypotheses.
biomechanics, physiology, and Example Applications
movement analysis, which help
in developing training 1. Sports Training: AI
programs. algorithms analyze an
athlete’s performance data to
suggest improvements.
2. Injury Prevention: Machine
Role of Algorithms in Pattern learning models detect
Recognition movement patterns that may
Algorithms systematically lead to injuries.
explore problem situations to 3. Game Strategy
identify and use patterns Development: Analyzing
effectively. The steps involved opponents’ tactics based on
in this process include: historical data.

o Data Collection: Conclusion

Gathering relevant By systematically exploring a
information from problem situation using
observations or past domain-specific knowledge and
experiences. algorithms, experts can develop
o Pattern Recognition: efficient and optimized
Identifying trends, solutions. This approach is
similarities, or repeated crucial in fields like Physical
structures within the data. Education, healthcare,
o Modeling the Problem: engineering, and computer
Using known patterns to science, where pattern
represent the problem in a recognition leads to innovation
structured way. and improvement.
o Applying Algorithms:
Utilizing predefined rules, Conclusion
heuristics, or AI-based
Systematic exploration of a
models to find solutions.
problem leads to the discovery of
o Optimization: Refining
patterns, which in turn simplifies
the approach for efficiency problem-solving by offering
and accuracy. efficient, predictable, and
structured solutions. Recognizing
and utilizing these patterns is a removing unnecessary
fundamental skill across various details.
disciplines.
🔹 Example: In sports
performance analysis, organizing
an athlete’s performance statistics
✓Organize Data and Use Logic -Creating
in a table helps coaches track
Organizing Data and Using progress and identify areas for
Logic in Problem-Solving improvement.

Effective problem-solving requires 2. Using Logic

organizing data and applying
Logic involves reasoning through
logical reasoning to reach
the problem systematically,
accurate solutions. These two
following cause-effect
elements help in structuring the
relationships, and making rational
problem, identifying relevant
decisions based on available
information, and making rational
data. Logical thinking includes:
decisions.
 Deductive Reasoning –
1. Organizing Data
Using general principles to
Organizing data involves solve specific cases.
arranging information in a clear  Inductive Reasoning –
and systematic way to make it Identifying patterns and
easier to analyze and interpret. forming general rules.
This can be done through:  If-Then Analysis –
Predicting outcomes based
 Tables and Charts – Helps on different scenarios.
visualize numerical or  Elimination Method –
categorical data. Ruling out incorrect options
 Diagrams and Graphs – to find the best solution.
Useful for identifying
relationships and trends. 🔹 Example: A coach analyzing a
 Lists and Categories – team’s performance may use logic
Grouping similar information to determine that poor stamina
for easier reference. (cause) leads to late-game fatigue
 Sorting and Filtering – and mistakes (effect).
Prioritizing relevant data and
3. Combining Organized Data Example of Organizing Data
and Logic and Using Logic in Problem-
Solving
When data is well-organized, logic
can be applied more effectively to Scenario:
find solutions. The combination of
both leads to: A basketball coach wants to
improve the team's performance
 Faster Decision-Making – and determine why they lose
Reduces confusion and games in the final quarter.
makes problem-solving more
efficient. Step 1: Organizing Data
 Better Accuracy – Logical The coach collects and arranges
conclusions based on data on the team's performance
organized data lead to fewer over the last 10 games:
errors.
 Pattern Recognition – Points Points
Fatigue
Scored Scored
Game Turnovers Level Win/Loss
Helps in forecasting trends (1st (2nd
(1-10)
Half) Half)
and making informed 1 45 30 8 8 Loss
predictions. 2 50 33 9 9 Loss
3 42 40 6 6 Win
🔹 Example: In a tournament, a 4 48 35 7 8 Loss
5 51 38 6 7 Win
coach might organize data on
opponents’ strategies and use By organizing this data in a table,
logical reasoning to adjust the the coach sees a pattern: the
game plan accordingly. team performs well in the first
half but scores fewer points and
Conclusion
has more turnovers in the second
Organizing data and using logic half when fatigue is high.
are essential for problem-solving
Step 2: Using Logic to Analyze
as they provide clarity, structure,
the Problem
and a rational approach to finding
solutions. Whether in academics,  Observation: The team
sports, business, or daily life, consistently scores fewer
these skills enhance decision- points and has more
making and improve efficiency. turnovers in the second half.
  Logical Deduction: lead to problem-solving
o High fatigue (8-9 rating) (improving endurance to boost
is linked to lower performance). This method
second-half applies to various fields, from
performance. sports coaching to business
o More turnovers indicate decision-making and academic
loss of focus and problem-solving.
stamina.
o The team wins when

fatigue is lower (6-7

rating)

Step 3: Applying a Solution

Using logic, the coach determines

that improving stamina and
endurance can help maintain
performance in the second half.
Solutions include:
✅ Increasing endurance training.
✅ Rotating players more often to
prevent fatigue.
✅ Adjusting game strategy to
conserve energy.

Final Outcome:

After implementing these

changes, the team’s second-half
performance improves, reducing
turnovers and increasing wins.

Conclusion:

This example shows how

organizing data (creating a
performance table) and using
logic (analyzing fatigue effects)