Note: To protect the privacy of our members, e-mail addresses have been removed from the archived messages. As a result, some links may be broken.

Lesson Plans


"Art Puzzles"

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Lawrence A. Parker/OCCTI (occti)
Fri, 27 Aug 1999 09:24:49 -0400

Lawrence A. Parker
Philosopher and Educational Consultant
The Ohio Center for Critical Thinking Instruction, Inc.
89 Grand Avenue
Akron, OH 44303-1004
330.762.5341
http://www.acorn.net/lists-ht/occti
http://www.acorn.net/occti (under reconstruction)

What would be an equivalent 'puzzle' in art?

"WORTH THINKING ABOUT: BRAIN TEASERS
Martin Gardner, who for many years edited Scientific American's
mathematical games department, argued that puzzles are more than fun and
games:
"Please do not suppose that the only function of puzzles is to
entertain. Puzzles are a way of teaching mathematics. Indeed, they are the
best way to teach it. Fred Hoyle, the famous British astronomer who taught
mathematics at Cambridge University for twenty years states in strong terms
his belief that mathematics should never be 'taught' at all. Students must
learn for themselves. How? 'By solving puzzles. The functions of the teacher
should be, first, to select in a wise way the material on which the puzzles
are based, second, to make sure the puzzles are well suited in difficulty to
the sophistication of the student, third, to answer questions, and finally,
if the teacher is capable of it, to give an occasional word of
inspiration.'"