Games For learning Mathematics at Basic level

Abstract

This is a survey study entitle “Games for Learning Mathematics at Basic Level”. The Primary focus of the present study was an evaluation of the effectiveness of games when used in basic level mathematics students.The sample of study included 40 students of grade four of government school: Shree Dharmodaya MadhyamicVidhyalaya, Airawati Gaupalika, Pyuthan district.In this particular research, researcher adopted experimental design that included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The quantitative data obtained from achievement test and standard deviation, correlation and co-efficient of regression were used for analysis of quantitative data.Qualitative data obtained from observation and interview with both teacher and students who experienced the use of mathematics games supported the quantitative findings concerning the effectiveness of games in mathematics classes. The results from achievement test papers suggest that there were statistically significant pre–post differences for achievement of students. In-depth information for qualitative data were provided from observations and interviews. The data were analyzed to shed light on students’ interactions during the games and to triangulate and to clarify and explain students’ responses to the learning environment and attitude questionnaires. Analysis of the interviews suggested that the students generally enjoyed mathematics more when games were included in their lessons, and that the use of mathematics games had improved their feelings positively about how well they were performing in mathematics. During the study, teachers had seen often reluctant to use games in their mathematics classrooms; my study is significant as the results have the potential to encourage mathematics teachers to incorporate the use of games in their classrooms as a viable alternative pedagogical approach.