Date: Mon, 08 Nov 2000 15:00:20 -0500
From: Alex Bogomolny
For the sake of argument, I would distinguish between puzzles and problems. Problems come in a context, puzzles are stand-alone. As such, I do not care for puzzles. The task of a teacher is to impart knowledge. If possible, he must do that in a manner that fosters creativity. But developing creativity is secondary. I also doubt whether useful creativity exists that is not based on knowledge.
Solving problems is necessary in every knowledge acquisition. No one learns to drive from reading a car manual, no one becomes a swimmer by watching some one swim, etc. Solving problems is not specific to the school context, but to any skill acquisition.
All the best,
Alexander Bogomolny
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