Puzzles have been used as a tool for teaching and learning for many years, but more recently they have gained popularity as a way to promote student engagement, improve mental health, and facilitate connection among the student body on school and university campuses.

One of the main benefits of using puzzles in education is their ability to promote student engagement. Puzzles require focused attention, concentration, and problem-solving skills, all of which are important for learning. When students work on puzzles, they become fully immersed in the task at hand and are less likely to be distracted by other things going on around them. This can lead to increased attention and retention of information, which can ultimately lead to better academic performance.

Puzzles can also be used as a stress-reliever and to improve mental health among students. Completing puzzles can be a calming and meditative experience, and it can also help to reduce anxiety and depression. It can also be a great way to bring students together, fostering teamwork and collaboration, which can be beneficial to building connections within student body.

Schools and universities have started to implement puzzles as a way to improve student engagement and mental health. For example, at the University of Colorado, a 1000-piece puzzle has been placed in the library for students to complete.

In addition, there are many other ways that puzzles can be integrated into the classroom, such as incorporating puzzles into lesson plans, using them as a team-building exercise during class, or even using them as a way to teach math and logic skills.

Furthermore, puzzles can be a great tool for online learning since online classes are not face to face and it can help to foster connection among students. For example, puzzle exchange clubs and virtual puzzle challenges could be set up, allowing students to work together to complete a puzzle, even if they are not in the same physical location.

In conclusion, puzzles are a versatile tool that can be used in a variety of ways to promote student engagement, improve mental health, and facilitate connection among the student body. Schools and universities have started to implement puzzles as a way to improve student engagement and mental health, and it is great to see more and more educational institution are starting to realize the benefits of puzzles.