Polya Method: a six-step heuristic strategy for solving verbal problems¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 3 claims (2 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The Polya Method (PM) is a heuristic instructional strategy derived from Polya's How to Solve It, operationalized here as six programmed steps: read the problem carefully; decide what question the problem asks and choose a variable; consider the other information and how it relates to the unknown; write an equation; solve the equation; and check the answer for reasonableness and against the original problem. The article describes it as "basically heuristic in nature; that is, the student is expected to read and understand the problem; to plan for a solution of the problem." It was delivered via synchronized slide-tape individualized instruction over seven 40-minute periods with decreasing guidance and immediate feedback.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Students need prior instruction in variables and solving simple linear equations in one unknown, which was the instruction common to both treatments.

Constraints¶

• The article notes PM may have benefited from subjects' prior experience with step-method strategies in seventh- and eighth-grade textbooks.

Target Learners¶

• ninth-grade algebra students

Target Learning Goals¶

• solving verbal (word) problems in beginning algebra

Claims¶

• On the problem solution criterion, verbal problem solving scores do not decline over four weeks and rise on the more complex problems [+W]
• Polya and Dahmus methods do not differ on the problem solution criterion [~W]
• Polya Method students outscore Dahmus Method students on the equation criterion for verbal problems [+W]

Related Elements¶

• Dahmus DPPC Method: direct, pure, piece-meal, complete translation strategy

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Bassler, O. C.; Beers, M. I.; Richardson, L. I. (1972). Comparison of Two Instructional Strategies for Teaching the Solution to Verbal Problems. Final Report. George Peabody College for Teachers. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED075260