Reading: Polya's Problem Solving Techniques

Instructions: Read through the provided reading assignment prior to answering the questions.

1. Polya describes four steps for problem solving. In your own words, describe each of the steps.

2. Why do you think it is important to understand the problem that you are supposed to solve?

3. For Polya's second principle, which strategies from the reading assignment have you used before? Is there a strategy that you have never used before and are you like to ever use it in the near future?

4. How is the skill for choosing an appropriate strategy best learned and how should this class address that?

5. Describe a time when the plan you devised did not work. What did it teach you? (If you have never had a plan not work out, consider Polya's fourth principlehow does 'looking back' help make you a better engineer?)

6. After reading Polya's problem solving steps, what changes will you make to how you solve problems in your current and future classes?

7. Who phrased the catch-phrase "I love it when a plan comes together" and what is his team's involvement with engineering? (Optional, no additional credit)