Mathematics is often seen as a hurdle in students' academic journey. Conventional teaching methods, characterized by memorization and problem-solving on paper, where the real-life application isn't always obvious, have contributed to the widespread perception that this is a challenging, frustrating, and even uninteresting subject.
However, this is not an unsolvable problem. In recent years, game-based learning (GBL) has emerged as a dynamic and effective strategy to revolutionize math learning and independent study. Below, we delve into some benefits of using educational math games, exploring how math can become an enjoyable and fun subject - worthy of good grades!
7 benefits of educational Math games
1. Reduction of Math Anxiety
Math anxiety is a widespread issue among students, leading to negative attitudes and reduced performance in this subject. A gamified approach to learning is a weapon against this concern. By turning math problems into playful challenges, games gradually reduce Math Anxiety, making students perceive the content as less intimidating. Instead of a mountain to be climbed, math can be an exciting adventure for students to embark on.
2. Increased motivation and interest
In its traditional form, math often fails to arouse students' curiosity and enthusiasm. Educational games have a unique power: they make school content genuinely interesting! With interactive and engaging elements, challenges, rewards, and narratives that evoke emotional connections, the gamified approach can motivate students to explore mathematical concepts with enthusiasm.
3. Better knowledge acquisition and retention
From primary to secondary education, several studies demonstrate the potential of game-based learning in acquiring and retaining mathematical knowledge. Games help students build concepts in ways that traditional teaching methods cannot, particularly through real-world application.
4. Positive Affective Domain
The term "affective domain" refers to the emotional and attitudinal aspect of learning. Promoting positive affective domain mastery is essential for students' academic success, and it's proven that the use of educational games can achieve this, especially in a subject like math. By fostering motivation, engagement, and positive attitudes, games create a more comfortable learning environment, encouraging students to participate more actively in the process.
5. Encouragement of problem-solving
Educational games with instructional components have shown remarkable results in teaching more complex concepts and developing students' problem-solving skills. A narrative video game, for example, can place the player in a fantastic world where they overcome challenges using the mathematical concepts they've learned. This is a highly effective approach as it motivates students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, striving for the next medal, reward, or another chapter of the story.
6. Real-world application
One of the major criticisms directed at traditional math education is its lack of real-world application. Games fill this gap by demonstrating how mathematical concepts are used in practical scenarios - things as simple as a lumberjack cutting logs to represent fractions. Therefore, students can see how math is relevant in everyday life, transforming abstract ideas into practical skills and helping students understand the subject's importance.
7. Concept reinforcement
In mathematics, understanding and mastering a concept are distinct phenomena. Game-based learning excels at consistently reinforcing these concepts. Through repetition and application in various scenarios, students can solidify their understanding of content ranging from calculus to geometry, and data handling. Thus, this tool serves as a virtual space where students can practice and explore.
From promoting positive attitudes to applying concepts in the real world, the benefits of game-based learning make this approach a revolutionary alternative to math teaching that overcomes many challenges associated with traditional methods. Through immersive experiences, this tool can transform math classes into a voyage of discovery!
Sources:
Ahmad, W. F. B. W., Shafie, A. B., & Latif, M. H. A. B. A. (2010). Role-playing game-based learning in mathematics. Electronic Journal of Mathematics & Technology, 4(2), 184-196.
Hussein, M. H., Ow, S. H., Elaish, M. M., & Jensen, E. O. (2022). Digital game-based learning in K-12 mathematics education: a systematic literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 1-33.
Vankúš, P. (2021). Influence of game-based learning in mathematics education on students’ affective domain: A systematic review. Mathematics, 9(9), 986.