INTRODUCTION    

Probably the most famous approach to problem solving is Polya’s four-step process described below (Polya, 1945).  POLYA’S PROBLEM SOLVING PRINCIPLES 1.   Understand the problem 2.   Devise a plan ⦁ Carry out the plan ⦁ Look back   The problem-solving process is merely a general guide of how to proceed in solving problems. In many cases, steps of the process will overlap, thus it may not be possible to perform each step of the process in the order given above. These four principles appear in many elementary-level textbook series as early as the kindergarten grade level. Use of the problem-solving process and specific strategies may be mentioned in a state or district model or framework. After describing each of the four steps of Polya’s problem-solving process in more detail below, we will discuss a fifth step. This is not suggesting that Polya’s process is incomplete. In fact, the fifth step, extend the problem, is mentioned in Polya’s manuscript as part of the fourth step -look back. These ideas are separated so that the process of extending the problem, especially relevant for teachers, does not become lost in the process of verifying the solution.