The Impact of Digital Game-based Learning with a Mathematical Game Application on Calculation Abilities of Grade 4 Students

Abstract

Calculation abilities are essential in elementary school mathematics and learning with game applications have been demonstrated to improve student’s learning of mathematics, which is conducive to developing their calculation abilities. As one of the core mathematical skills, calculation abilities can be improved through continuous calculation practice. However, there is currently just a little research on the effects of using digital game-based learning (DGBL) with a mathematical game application in elementary school for developing students’ calculation abilities. Therefore, 78 students participated in this quasi-experimental study to evaluate the possible influence of DGBL with a mathematical game application “Oral Math Hero” through iPads on the calculating abilities of fourth-grade students in a mainstream school in Mainland China. A mathematical game application was integrated into a four-week classroom activity for the experimental classes, with pre-test and post-test utilizing a standardized calculation abilities test: Abilita diCalcoloz Calculation Abilities-Memory and Training Group 6-11 (Cornoldi et al., 2002) for both experimental and control groups. Data analysis results using ANOVA showed that there were significant differences in students’ calculation abilities when learning with the mathematical game application on iPad in mathematical classrooms, with significant differences in overall calculation abilities between the experimental group (n=40) and the control group (n=38) in grade 4. In other words, we found that after practicing calculations with the mathematical game application, students were more likely to achieve better calculation abilities, especially in terms of faster calculation speed, and lower error rates. However, there were no significant differences in numerical knowledge, learning with this mathematical game application might not lead to acquiring more mathematical knowledge. This study provides a realistic perspective for elementary mathematics educators and teachers to understand the potential of learning with the mathematical game application: it can be an effective tool to improve the calculation abilities of students in grade 4. The second stage of this project is to explore the reasons behind the results of the study, revealing possible factors of DGBL with the mathematical game application that may facilitate certain aspects of calculation abilities. Further suggestions are made to integrate DGBL into the elementary mathematics classroom.