Pupils' Learning Characteristics, Self-directed Learning Ability, and Mathematical Ability by Applying a Gamified Math Platform for Distance Learning

Abstract

This study aims to examine a remote primary school teacher who collaborated with 42 university volunteer mentors by applying gamified mathematics platform "Math-Island" for distance learning to facilitate third-grade pupils’ self-directed learning (SDL) and mathematical ability. This study uses Wilcoxon tests to analyze 21 weeks of Math Island learning data and mathematics abilities tests, and content analysis of 21 verbatim transcripts of teaching review meetings and 203 teaching records as evidence of the learning characteristics and the progress of pupils' self-directed learning ability. The result found that the pupils’ learning characteristics related to volunteer mentors’ teaching, classmates, and their own learning attitudes. The pupils under distance learning gradually developed their self-directed learning abilities in the second semester. Besides, the post-test of mathematics learning ability has improved significantly compared with the pre-test. Recommendations for future research are also presented at the end of this paper.