In the article “Mathematics Through Problem Solving” by Margaret Taplin, problem solving is expressed as being very important to know because it allows for people to understand the deeper meaning of mathematical ideas rather than just knowing easy strategies to solving problems. A big focus is on teachers showing students how to correctly understand problems and how problem solving can be used not only in teaching skills but also in society. A big contributor to problem solving strategies is Polya who was able to devise a 4-step method for problem solving. Yes, I do believe that problem solving is important to learn not only when learning mathematic skills but it is also can be applied to figuring out problems in society. George Polya is
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Everyone in life has to make decisions that can be easy or hard. It is important to learn how to approach a problem and solve it in an efficient manner that will not create any downfalls. Problem solving is not just about being able to solve a problem quickly; one can break down a problem into multiple steps so that they can visibly see how their actions will play out. In the article it states, “Resnick expressed the belief that 'school should focus its efforts on preparing people to be good adaptive learners, so that they can perform effectively when situations are unpredictable and task demands change' (p.18). Cockcroft (1982) also advocated problem solving as a means of developing mathematical thinking as a tool for daily living, saying that problem-solving ability lies 'at the heart of mathematics' (p.73) because it is the means by which mathematics can be applied to a variety of unfamiliar situations (mathgoodies).” Problem solving pushes people to want to make a difference. Once you have the drive to want to figure something out, it can go a long way. You will want to do better in your workforce, school or even communicating with people. Problem solving is a skill that everyone should know. In certain colleges they require students to take a lot of general education requirements. For example you may not be a math major but it is required that you take a math class because math skills can help you with everyday task like counting or measuring. Problem solving is not just a skill that someone can obtain but it also creates determination and the will to want to do something
Everyone in life has to make decisions that can be easy or hard. It is important to learn how to approach a problem and solve it in an efficient manner that will not create any downfalls. Problem solving is not just about being able to solve a problem quickly; one can break down a problem into multiple steps so that they can visibly see how their actions will play out. In the article it states, “Resnick expressed the belief that 'school should focus its efforts on preparing people to be good adaptive learners, so that they can perform effectively when situations are unpredictable and task demands change' (p.18). Cockcroft (1982) also advocated problem solving as a means of developing mathematical thinking as a tool for daily living, saying that problem-solving ability lies 'at the heart of mathematics' (p.73) because it is the means by which mathematics can be applied to a variety of unfamiliar situations (mathgoodies).” Problem solving pushes people to want to make a difference. Once you have the drive to want to figure something out, it can go a long way. You will want to do better in your workforce, school or even communicating with people. Problem solving is a skill that everyone should know. In certain colleges they require students to take a lot of general education requirements. For example you may not be a math major but it is required that you take a math class because math skills can help you with everyday task like counting or measuring. Problem solving is not just a skill that someone can obtain but it also creates determination and the will to want to do something