The Problem with Puzzles: Using Problem-Based Learning to Redesign Assignments for the Age of AI

Traditional assignments often resemble puzzles- where students follow prescribed steps to practice multiple specific skills and demonstrate understanding. Unfortunately, students do not really treat them like puzzles. Students approach assignments as problems, employing any available tools to achieve their goals. Now, the availability of AI tools means that treating these "puzzles" as problems can trivialize them. It' s time we leave puzzles behind.

Publication Details

Journal
Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research
Published
2025-05-29
Primary Topic
Teaching and Learning Programming
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

The Problem with Puzzles: Using Problem-Based Learning to Redesign Assignments for the Age of AI

Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research
Teaching and Learning Programming
article

The Problem with Puzzles: Using Problem-Based Learning to Redesign Assignments for the Age of AI

article en

Abstract

Traditional assignments often resemble puzzles- where students follow prescribed steps to practice multiple specific skills and demonstrate understanding. Unfortunately, students do not really treat them like puzzles. Students approach assignments as problems, employing any available tools to achieve their goals. Now, the availability of AI tools means that treating these "puzzles" as problems can trivialize them. It' s time we leave puzzles behind.

Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 32%
Teaching and Learning Programming
Open Access PDFOpenAlex
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The Problem with Puzzles: Using Problem-Based Learning to Redesign Assignments for the Age of AI · Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS