Polya's four-stage problem solving strategy as an instructional approach for higher order thinking in mathematics¶
Design · All designs
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 causal),q2· 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study
Description¶
The article operationalizes problem solving strategy as Polya's (1973) four stages: "(1) understand the problem, (2) devise a plan, (3) carry out the plan, and (4) look back", with NCTM indicators such as identifying known and required elements, formulating mathematical models, applying strategies, and interpreting results against the original problem. In the study, partner teachers taught the experimental group with this strategy on system of linear equations material. The article treats it as the more effective alternative to the scientific approach for HOTS outcomes.
Design Implications¶
Context¶
Requirements¶
- Teachers implement the four Polya stages with their NCTM indicators in mathematics lessons
Constraints¶
- Effectiveness evidence comes from a quasi-experiment in 10th-grade linear equations in Medan, Indonesia, not from randomized assignment
Target Learners¶
- 10th-grade high school mathematics students
Learning Goals¶
- mathematical communication
- mathematical creativity
- problem solving
- mathematical reasoning
Claims¶
- Problem Solving Strategy More Effective Communication [+M]
- Problem Solving Strategy More Effective Creativity [+M]
- Problem Solving Strategy More Effective Problem Solving [+M]
- Problem Solving Strategy More Effective Reasoning [+M]
Related Designs¶
Examples¶
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Key Sources¶
- Hardi Tambunan. (2019). The Effectiveness of the Problem Solving Strategy and the Scientific Approach to Students' Mathematical Capabilities in High Order Thinking Skills. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(2), 293-302. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5715
Page metadata
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
type |
design |
id |
polya-four-stage-problem-solving-strategy |
title |
Polya's four-stage problem solving strategy as an instructional approach for higher order thinking in mathematics |
description |
The article operationalizes problem solving strategy as Polya's (1973) four stages: "(1) understand the problem, (2) devise a plan, (3) carry out the plan, and (4) look back", with NCTM indicators such as identifying... |
status |
review |
generated |
by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02 |
trust |
unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content |
sources |
1 — hardi-tambunan-2019 |
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