The problem-solving ability of students in" British international school of Olomouc", based on the Polya method

Maryam POURPAKDELFEKR

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This study was carried out by a teacher-researcher who conducted observations and interviews with students attending the British international school in Olomouc over one month. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the students' problem-solving skills with respect to the Polya model. To accomplish this, the students were tasked with solving ten mathematics word problems that reflected their mathematical knowledge and grade level. Following the completion of the tasks, the data collected was analyzed using the Polya problem-solving model to determine the frequency with which the students used problem-solving indicators. Results indicated that the students experienced difficulties using all the steps of the Polya model, particularly in the first step of understanding the problem. However, the students correctly performed the processes of devising a plan, executing the problem-solving procedure, and performing the calculations; many failed to write the final conclusions and engage in rechecking accurately. This study highlights a potential gap in the problem-solving skills of a significant proportion of the students, as they failed to meet three out of the six indicators defined in this research.

Abstract:

This study was carried out by a teacher-researcher who conducted observations and interviews with students attending the British international school in Olomouc over one month. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the students' problem-solving skills with respect to the Polya model. To accomplish this, the students were tasked with solving ten mathematics word problems that reflected their mathematical knowledge and grade level. Following the completion of the tasks, the data collected was analyzed using the Polya problem-solving model to determine the frequency with which the students used problem-solving indicators. Results indicated that the students experienced difficulties using all the steps of the Polya model, particularly in the first step of understanding the problem. However, the students correctly performed the processes of devising a plan, executing the problem-solving procedure, and performing the calculations; many failed to write the final conclusions and engage in rechecking accurately. This study highlights a potential gap in the problem-solving skills of a significant proportion of the students, as they failed to meet three out of the six indicators defined in this research

Keywords

Mathematics word problems, Polya model, Problem-solving skills, Interviews, International school

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 18. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Mgr. Danping Peng, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Education

Master programme / field:
Education / Leisure Time Activities Counselling and Management