Incorporating Pólya’s Problem Solving Method in Remedial Math

Abstract

György Pólya’s problem solving method has influenced generations of mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike. Though almost all math teachers have come across Pólya’s problem solving method, his ideas are not regularly implemented in the classroom. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of his approach in teaching remedial math. In this article we revisit this once well-known teaching method and show how it can be used in basic skills math classes to ease student fears of math, and potentially change their common misconceptions of the subject.