Problem Solving Steps Mini-Poster for the Classroom - Compact but visible
4 Pages: (print landscape/sideways on standard 8.5" x 11" paper) and overlaps top-to-bottom
MS Word is used for a clear, professional look.
Word is needed to print or edit.
This mini-poster details the four essential problem-solving steps, adapted from various sources, particularly from Polya's "How to Solve It" book. However, while Polya advocated five steps, I've found four to be sufficient.
They are:
(1) READ - Read AND understand. It is reasonable to read 3-5 times.
(2) PLAN - Plan a strategy.
(3) SOLVE - Follow the plan.
(4) CHECK - Did I answer all part(s) of the question? Is/are my answer(s) reasonable?
Each step is clearly printed with an appealing and readable font (can be read from the back of a classroom), and yet conserves precious bulletin board or wall space.
Directions/Suggestions for Use: This mini-poster is designed to be printed on separate standard 8.5" x 11" paper in the landscape (sideways) format and then taped vertically, slightly overlapping in a vertical format. The top of the second page should slightly overlap the bottom of the first, etc.
This allows for a clearly visible mini-poster that uses a minimum of bulletin board or wall space. This poster also works well when placed in 2 or 3 different spots around the classroom.
This mini-poster was designed for easy creation, assembly, and recreation (when worn-out or when moving rooms, etc.).
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Copyright 2009, Thad J. Ackerman
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.


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15+ years teaching high school mathematics (all levels: basic, college-prep. and honors) Experience tutoring high school, college (undergraduate & graduate), and adult learners in mathematics, SAT & GRE test prep., and engineering. Started own financial advisory firm, Silver Maple Financial, LLC, and am a licensed financial advisor. Strong interest in finances of individual investing: compound interest, dollar-cost averaging, mutual funds, investing for retirement, etc. Worked for IBM as a computer programmer during college and for 3 years after college, then tutored while going back to school to be an educator. Never looked back! Best move I ever made! :-)
