George Polya (1887-1985) was a Hungarian mathematician and educator who revolutionized our understanding of problem-solving and teaching. While he made significant contributions to mathematics, his most enduring legacy is his insights into how people learn and solve problems. His 1945 book "How to Solve It" has influenced educators across numerous fields, extending far beyond mathematics.
Polya's approach centered on three key principles. First, he championed active learning, believing students learn best by discovering solutions themselves rather than being told answers. Second, he emphasized heuristic thinking - the art of guided discovery and learning from experience, viewing problem-solving as a skill that can be developed through practice. Third, he developed sophisticated questionin
