Innovative Pedagogies for Mathematics: A NEP-2020Inspired Approach Using Puzzles and Games

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a game-changer and innovative policy aimed at transforming India into a powerhouse of knowledge. The NEP 2020 views the first 3-8 years of a child's life as the critical phase for their entire development. Additionally, research suggests that youngsters between the ages of 4-6 have the mental capacity to learn in a more regulated yet play-based setting. NEP-2020 suggests promoting a range of cutting-edge mathematics teaching techniques, such as the regular use of games and puzzles, which make mathematical thinking more fascinating and engaging, as mathematics is the cornerstone of all science. Research shows that games and puzzles play a critical role in developing the logical and cognitive abilities of students. The main aim of this article is to concentrate on the significance of using games and puzzles to teach mathematics. Additionally, we provide examples of how different arithmetic problems can be presented as games and puzzles to engage children, along with some of the advantages and challenges of using games and puzzles to teach arithmetic.