Preliminary Use of a Learning Game for Arithmetic Word Problems with Elementary School Students

Abstract

Although word problems can be challenging for many learners, they are an important part of mathematics instruction. This is because word problems often require students to transfer abstract mathematical concepts to real-world situations, which can be difficult for some individuals. In this paper, we propose a learning game named "Tri-prop-scrabble" where learners can try to create arithmetic stories related to addition and subtraction from among many choices and can obtain feedback. To prove the research questions: (1) Are able to enjoy this game? we conduct a preliminary use of the game on 44 first grade elementary school students who are the target of learning of arithmetic word problems of addition and subtraction. they can make arithmetic stories and some of them have made complex structures of stories. The results shows that this game is feasible for first-grade elementary school students.