This session will focus on the impact of George Polya’s Problem Solving Model and the pivotal role that Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s) and teacher collaboration played in the whole-school implementation of this model in a Primary setting. Nikki and Taryn will unpack what each phase of the model looks like in practice, shining the spotlight on how each of the mathematical proficiencies are embedded into the model. They will share real examples and student work samples along the way, providing authentic and practical ways that teachers can analyse and assess their students’ problem-solving skills. You will walk away with a bank of resources and strategies designed to support leaders and teachers to implement the model into their own classroom.

Key takeaways:
1. Understand the role PLC’s can play in the implementation of Polya’s Problem Solving model.
2. Identify how the mathematical proficiencies are embedded within each phase of the model.
3. Be exposed to a practical example of how student problem solving tasks can be analysed and assessed.