Using Games To Help Students Improve Math Skills

 

We all know that students love playing games, especially video games.  I came into work in the morning and students are all on their phones playing a variety of games.  Many adults also enjoy playing games but the type of game depends on their age and interests.  As teachers we know we should be including games in the classroom to make it more interesting and help keep student attention. We can use both video games and personal interaction games such as Uno, or a board game.

Math games are great for helping students improve their math skills because they are like most other games in that they have set rules, goals, and a level of competition.  A good math game should have just the right amount of challenge and competition so they feel as if they have a chance to win even if they lose.  A good game also lets them practice their problem solving skills while making decisions and are easy to learn.  In addition, students feel less pressured to learn math when they play games. The games used in math might be digitally based, boardgames, physical movement games, or a mixture of all three.

There are four good reasons for incorporating math games of all sorts in your classroom.  One of the first reasons to use games is that it can create a mind - body connection, especially if the game involves movement.  When students move, it helps the brain activate the neurons that help with processing and retention of the material.  In addition, when students learn the material while moving, they tend to remember it longer and the fun experienced while moving helps them feel more successful.  

Second, many of our students have fallen behind due to the pandemic, and many were already behind.  If the proper game is chosen, it can help students work on catching up.  Fortunately, it is relatively easy to find software which is designed to help individual students with scaffolding so they can catch up and narrow any learning gaps.  

Third, in order to use games effectively, there has to be training available to help teachers effectively integrate games into the classroom.  Teachers have to be comfortable when using games in the classroom so students have the support they need.  

Finally, integrating games into the class make it fun and students tend to develop a love of math when its fun. Furthermore, students often forget it's math because of the fun they are having and they do not struggle, they are willing to try.

The problem is that you cannot use just any game, especially for math games.  There are sites out there that offer "Math" games but as far as I can tell, they do not address specific skills, they are just games. Some places offer "games" that turn out to be regular practice with feedback that is only yes or no but nothing to explain to students how to solve it.  

It is important to take time to make sure the game you have chosen to use in class focuses on the skill they need to practice, everyone can participate in the game, and if it is internet based, will your students all be able to play.  In addition, think about using games that have students work in teams rather than using games for individuals.  Students need the opportunity to collaborate and help each other.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.