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

Zsuzsanna Szabo, Péter Körtesi, Jan Guncaga, Dalma Szabo and Ramona Neag
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Péter Körtesi: Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary
Jan Guncaga: Faculty of Education, Comenius University in Bratislava, 81334 Bratislava, Slovakia
Dalma Szabo: Freelance Marketer, 90408 Nürnberg, Germany
Ramona Neag: Faculty of Economics and Law, “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu-Mureș, 540566 Tîrgu-Mureș, Romania

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 23, 1-28

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.

Keywords: problem-solving strategy; critical thinking; 21st-century skills; heuristic; sustainability; mathematical education; cross-curricular integration; transversal skills (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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