Learning the Methodology of Mathematical Problem Solving in Elementary Education

Metodi Glavche, Katerina Anevska, Risto Maleski

Abstract: Mathematical problems are a basic tool for acquiring mathematical knowledge and realizing the objectives of mathematical education. Therefore, it is especially important to understand the methodology of solving mathematical problems, which is related to the actual solving of a given problem, as well as how the solving of a specific problem forms knowledge in the students for solving problems. In this paper, we will turn our attention to the methodology of solving a given problem, and we will focus on the four steps, which according to many authors, occur during solving a given problem, although the activities in the steps are not always given in the same order. Namely, we will separately direct our attention to the following four steps of solving mathematical problems: understanding the problem, developing an idea and devising a plan for solving the problem, practical realization of the plan for solving the problem, additional work after the problem is solved. We will make an effort to answer how and at what age the separate steps of mathematical problem solving should be learnt through adequate examples.

Keywords: mathematical problem, algorithm, mathematical model