A puzzle reflection should name the move that helped

I tried hard may be true without explaining the strategy. Ask for a particular moment where checking, scanning or eliminating changed what the solver knew, then consider how that approach might be adjusted next time.

Checking corners first may reveal constrained positions in this puzzle.

Point to the strategy in action

Ask for an example of the strategy in action. A general statement such as trying hard does not describe the reasoning used.

Name the approach. Point to evidence. Choose a next adjustment.

What did the strategy help reveal? Use a reflection drawing.

Completion speed is not the only evidence of thinking.

Resources

• My Puzzle Strategy — Record a strategy and one specific observation about how it helped.

Further reading

• Australian Curriculum Version 9 — Critical and Creative Thinking

Read next

• Two-attribute sorting requires both properties at once
• An ambiguous drawing can invite several good interpretations
• A puzzle can offer different starting supports

Explore Logic puzzles and game design. Browse all teaching articles.