Why Is Involved in the Problem-Solving Process?
By its very nature, problem solving is a complex process-one that Polya (1957) suggested consists of four phases: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. Contrary to many students, expectations, experienced problem solvers do not always have an immediate plan in mind when they are confronted with a problem. In fact, experts often spend a considerable amount of time in the understanding phase, in planning their approach, and in checking their work both along the way and at the end of the problem (Schoenfeld, 1985). Inexperienced problem solvers, on the other hand, are more likely to plunge in without adequate time spent developing understanding or developing a plan.