Professor Zbigniew Michalewicz from the University of Adelaide visited our university and gave a seminar entitled “Puzzle-Based Learning” last Wednesday afternoon. The University of Birmingham’s new Learning and Teaching Strategy focuses on enquiry-based learning so I was keen to learn more.

 

During his presentation, Professor Michalewicz explained how and why the use of puzzles could be used to teach mathematics and develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. He gave numerous examples and seemed to like puzzles that involved a combination of mathematical techniques; however, he also demonstrated puzzles that illustrate the need to understand the problem and the pitfalls of intuition.

 

Based on my limited experience and knowledge, it is clear that Professor Michalewicz is a talented teacher. Right at the beginning of his presentation he acknowledged that the one-hour presentation was based on decades of work and I had to wonder how easy it would be for others to deliver a similar learning experience for their students. Fortunately, Professor Michalewicz has a new book just out entitled “Puzzle-Based Learning: An introduction to critical thinking, mathematics, and problem solving”.

 

When I ask myself whether I have a preference for being taught by an expert at teaching or by an expert in the subject then I would always go for the latter. If someone like Professor Michalewicz is not available then there is nothing like a bad teacher to promote critical thinking.