WELCOME!

THE ART
OF
S O LV I N G
A
PROBLEM
RAMIL B. BELLEN
INSTRUCTOR
Letters Game
 Letters Game

M X
C R
Why is the wheelbarrow designes this
way?
Objectives:
At the end of this module, the student should be
able to:
1. Define the meaning of a problem and problem
solving.
2. Understand the process involve in problem
solving.
Introduction:
Mathematics education has changed a lot
over a years. Advancement in research and
innovation help usher and speed up practical,
technological and pedagogical changes in
education, especially in mathematics.
Choice
A. What is a Problem?

It is a statement or a
situation where there
is an obstacle between
what we have and
what we want.
George Polya of Hungary (1965)

“ A question is considered a problem if the

procedure or method of solution is not
immediately known but requires one to apply
creativity and previous knowledge in new
and unfamiliar situation.”
George Polya of Hungary (1965)

“To have a problem means to search

consciously for some action
appropriate to attain some clearly
conceived but not immediately
attainable aim.”
Clearly, the degree
of challenge a
question gives the
student is what
makes it a problem
or not.
 Moreover, for a
particular question to
be considered a
problem is relative or
may vary from person
to person.
 Further, a problem
to a student who is
not good in problem
solving may not be a
problem to a gifted
one
Henderson and Pingry (1953)

“A problem is a situation in which a

person wants something and does
not know immediately what series of
actions he can perform to get it.”
Schoenfeld (1992)
“A mathematical problem. Like any problem in life, is
defined as a problem because it causes us much
difficulty in attaining a solution. If the solution, or even
the procedure for solving it, is obvious, the it is no
longer a problem but just a exercise. Virtually all
problems students are asked to solve are bite-size
exercise designed to achieve subject matter mastery.”
 B. What is Problem
Solving?

It is the ability to
overcome or
remove an obstacle
so that we can get
what we want.
Stephen Krulik and Jesse Rudnick (1980)
Problem Solving: A Handbook for Teachers

“A situation, quantitative or otherwise, that

confronts an individual or group of
individual, that requires resolution, and for
which the individual sees no apparent or
obvious means or path to obtain a solution.”
Stephen Krulik and Jesse Rudnick (1980)
Problem Solving: A Handbook for Teachers

“Problem solving is the means by which as

individual uses previously acquired knowledge,
skills and understanding to satisfy the demands of
an unfamiliar situation. The student must
synthesize what he or she learned and apply it to
a new and different situation.”
Henderson and Pingry (1953)

“In problem solving, there must be a

goal, a blocking of that goal for the
individual, and acceptance of that
goal by the individual.”
National Council of Teachers in Mathematics
(NCTM, 2000, p. 52)
“Problem solving means engaging in a task for
which the solution method is not known in advance.
In order to find solution, students must draw on
their knowledge and through this process, they will
often develop new mathematical understanding.
Solving problems is not only a goal of knowing
mathematics, but also a major means of doing so.”
GOAL: The GOAL states what is to be accomplished.
• What is required or what needs to be accomplished in the
problem? Is the goal clear from the start?
• What relevant information or data are available to solve
problem?
• What unfamiliar terms needed to be defined?
OBSTACLE: The OBSTACLE presents a real problem
that hinders one from easily arriving at the solution.
• How can I solve the problem?
• Where can I start?
• What appropriate strategy can be used?
SOLUTION: The SOLUTION presents the achievement of the goal
after the strategy has been employed. It is now time to reflect to
find out if the problem solving process has been successful.
• Does the solution make sense?
• Does the solution satisfy the requirement?
• Is there more appropriate strategy to use?
• Is there a simpler way to solve problems?
Things to do:

In a separate sheet of paper, answer the question,

“How do you solve a problem?” Write down your own
tips or list in solving a problem.
QUIZ: True or False
1. A problem is a statement or a situation where there is an obstacle
between what we have and what we want.
2. A problem solving is the ability to overcome or remove an obstacle so
that we can get what we want.
3. The solution states what is to be accomplished.
4. The obstacle presents a real problem that hinders one from easily
arriving at the solution.
5. The goal presents the achievement of the solution after the strategy
has been employed.
QUIZ: True or False (Answer Key)

1. True
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. False
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!