Digital Game-Based Learning Activities in Primary Grade Mathematics Achievement

Author

Chris AndersonFollow

Date of Award

8-25-2023

Document Type

Non Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching

Department

Education

Capstone Instructor

Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinde Fakuajo

Second Reader

Prof. Kristin Blevins

Keywords

Digital Game-Based Learning, DGBL, mathematical achievement, motivation, academic engagement, academic self-perception, primary mathematics, educational technology, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation

Abstract

The research paper has gathered and analyzed research from online databases to find how digital game-based learning activities were used in mathematics and how it influences the affective domains of academic engagement, motivation, and academic self-perception. The paper aims to inform primary educators of the benefits and limitations of digital game-based activities in primary mathematics. Digital game-based learning has positively influenced students' academic engagement through interaction, play, and effort, which had a positive effect on their mathematical achievement. Increased motivation felt by students when doing digital game-based activities resulted in higher mathematical achievement and an increase in learning more mathematics based on intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Digital game-based learning activities have also promoted students’ academic self-perception such as confidence and judgment of their ability. Drawbacks include the below-average percentage of high mathematical improvement as educators may want an activity with full confidence. Another drawback is that the rise in mathematical achievement may not be immediate. Some studies have acknowledged that students would eventually exceed their paper assessment scores if given more time to play. In conclusion, digital game-based learning activities in mathematics may increase student learning factors but remain inconsistent in learning gains. The research found in this paper will provide educators with the benefits and drawbacks of digital game-based activities in primary mathematics and allow educators to decide if this approach is right for their classroom.

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