There is a distinction between what may be called a…
“There is a distinction between what may be called a problem and what may be considered an exercise. The latter serves to drill a student in some technique or procedure, and requires little if any, original thought... No exercise, then, can always be done with reasonbable dispatch and with a miniumum of creative thinking. In contrast to an exercise, a problem, if it is a good one for its level, should require though on the part of the student.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A problem challenges original thought, while an exercise merely practices known techniques without requiring creativity.
In simple terms: Problems need thinking; exercises are practice.
Key Takeaway
Encourage problem‑solving over rote drills.
Themes
education
critical thinking
creativity
learning
pedagogy
Mood
instructive
analytical
motivational
Type
educational
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- curriculum design
- student self‑study
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
cognitive development
instructional design
assessment methods
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance exercises and problems in curricula?
- What defines a “good” problem?
A Different Perspective
Exercises are useful for skill mastery; problems foster deeper understanding.