Integrating Puzzles and General Problem-solving Techniques into Existing Undergraduate Mathematics Classes

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to offer tools and tips for integrating puzzles and general problem-solving techniques into existing undergraduate mathematics classes - primarily prerequisite, lower-level classes. I discuss the research into the benefits of puzzles in mathematics education at the undergraduate level. Next, I delve into some general problem-solving techniques that offer a framework to solving puzzles, as well as provide an example set of puzzles with reference to the stated solving techniques. Finally, I set out a structure for integration of puzzles into undergraduate classes with examples for how these problem-solving techniques can be applied to traditional mathematics curriculum.