Examples of Problem-Solving Strategies in Mathematics Education Supporting the Sustainability of 21st-Century Skills

Abstract

The overall aim of education is to train proactive, motivated, and independent citizens to face and overcome continuous challenges. Critical thinking—finding solutions to problems—is of primary importance in the 21st century to handle challenging situations and deal with obstacles in careers. A critical literature review approach was used to assess, critique, synthesizes, and expand the theoretical foundation of the topic. Teaching mathematical problem-solving is an efficient way to develop 21st-century skills and to give cross-curricular experiences with real-world meaning to learners. Concrete examples were presented to prove that Pólya’s heuristic could be used in a broader context to help learners acquire the modern skills needed to succeed in their careers. By including in the learning process and practicing specific methods for solving mathematical problems, students could learn a way of thinking to approach and solve problems successfully in a broader context in life. The paper’s outcome provides teachers and educators with methods, learning models, and strategies for developing 21st-century skills in students at all levels during classroom activities.

Mathematics Education Students’ Experiences during Lockdown: Managing Collaboration in eLearning

“…They further explained that basic logical-mathematical intelligence develops when an individual focuses on the patterns, symmetry, logic, and aesthetics of mathematics to solve, design, and model everyday life problems and tasks [30]. Others contend that teaching mathematical problem-solving develops 21st century skills, and hence competence in solving real-world problems [31].…”

Teaching Mathematics Based on Graphic Management in Problem Solving Topics

“…The use of these graphics stimulates students to plan strategies with clearer data representations and solutions for reference. At the level of information organization, mathematical abstraction and graphical analysis lead to the development of a plan for its solution (Szabo et al, 2020). It also encourages students to review each error that occurs separately.…”

La formación de la capacidad matemática de los estudiantes a través de tareas orientadas a la competencia.

“…The problem of the formation of mathematical knowledge and skills of students has been actively discussed by researchers on the pages of specialized international publications over the past five years. The main issues are the possibility of using innovative technologies in the educational process of students in the study of mathematical disciplines (Szabo et al, 2020;Tovarnichenko, Stepkina, 2015), providing fundamental mathematical training of future engineering specialists (Cardella, 2008;Baturina & Khasanova, 2020), and conditions providing an increase in the level of mathematical training of university students (Alpers, 2010;Lavrinenko & Mikhno, 2017). Some specialists have tried to solve the problems of developing the mathematical culture of students of different specialties (Bamforth et al, 2007) and attracting students to the study of mathematical disciplines (Novak, 2017;Anufrieva et al, 2020;Akhyadov et al, 2020).…”

“…(approved by the educational and methodological university council), was prepared. The system of competence-oriented tasks, which are aimed at forming all components of mathematical competence of future mechanical engineers in the process of training in linear algebra, is provided in the content of the course (Szabo et al, 2020;Tovarnichenko & Stepkina, 2015). An electronic training course "Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry" in the distance learning support system "Moodle" is proposed for the organization of students' self-study.…”