Do Digital Games Help Children's Math Skills?

Digital games are a great way for students to gain fluency of number facts. We know that students who can quickly recall their math facts tend to do much better in higher levels of mathematics.  If a student is not fluent, they find it more difficult to find answers for the more complex problems.  This is because space in the brains is freed up when students fluently know their number facts.

In addition, students are more likely to retain the material and are better able to apply it to future tasks. There is evidence that shows students can achieve fluency in number facts through the use of digital games.

Last time, I suggested sending home a list of digital games for students to play over the summer so they maintain their knowledge for fall.  As stated, one needs to make sure the games recommended will actually help students with their math skills.  The games could be against the computer or others. 

It has been found that games using math strategy to practice the four basic operations, percents, etc tend to have increased achievement rates on regular and state tests. In addition to raising fluency, the right digital games can also increase student enjoyment of math. However, it is important that the games must be engaging so students want to play and are motivated to continue playing. 

The good thing about digital math games is that they allow students to take an active role in their learning, provide immediate and constant feedback, and provide a visual connection between playing the game and the math they are learning. Furthermore, students do not need to spend hours online in order to see results. In fact, students only need a focused session of 5 to 10 minutes, three times a week to see results. 

Unfortunately, most of the information found focuses on its benefits in elementary school but it is known if students know their facts, they do better in the math classes they take in middle school and high school but there is nothing that says students can't work on fluency using digital games if they are in middle or high school.

There are games out there that also help students improve their ability to work their way through open-ended math problems since the right digital games help improve math proficiency, ability to think through problems rather than just learning the fact by rote. Many games focus on speeding up the ability to give answers to standard mathematical facts, not all help students conceptualize problems. In addition, a good digital game helps students learn productive practice which also a students ability to make sense of the problem. 

Next time, I'll suggest a few games that come highly recommended that help students develop both their numerical fluency while providing immediate feedback, and improving ability to work open-ended problems, Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear from you.  Have a great day.

How To Use Digital Games In The Math Classroom

 

There are days when we choose to assign digital games to the class.  There are lots of different games available but there are things we can do to make them even more effective.  My high school students tend to love Kahoot, Jeopardy, and a couple of other games.  Yes these are whole class games because all the students play.  

Some of the games are web based while others are in the app form and can be used on the device.  Some games require students sign in, while others use a code to allow them access and the code is provided by the teacher.

Digital games can really improve the attitudes of students who find themselves engaged and successful. There are certain things we can do when having students use digital games in class to make everything better.  First of all, when introducing students to new games, set up a teacher versus the classroom game. This is a good way because students love beating the teacher and this increases their desire to play. The class is playing as one player while the teacher is the other.  This game gives students a chance to learn the rules and how the game works in a fun, engaging manner. 

The way this works is the teacher works the problem but everyone in the class has to work their problem individually and then they have to agree on the answer.  This allows everyone a chance to try the problems. One game this works well for is connect four math games and you can find several for free here.   This free one for 8th grade to check it out. 

Once students have been introduced to the game and its time to play it with the class, divide the students into groups of 3 to 5 people and leave the students in the same group for a two to three weeks at a time rather than trying to change them up every time. Only switch up groups when you feel the students need a change.  

Don't forget about using games made with power point or google slides.  An example of this type of game is Jeopardy but you can find quite a few from various sources or make your own.  No matter which way you go, make copies of the game so you have one set of slides per group and label each set with a title.  Make sure permissions are set for anyone with a link can edit and make sure the students in the group for the set has the link so they can access it.  Finally, make sure students know who is in each group starting the games and notification can be done digitally or in person. 

Now, here are some suggestions on places to go to get games for your classroom.  If you are into making your own games, check out Matt's list here from Ditch your textbook site.  He is offering templates for free. Another person who has instructions on creating your own games is Alice Keeler.  Check her instructions out.  Slides mania has several free templates for games here. This one offers a spin the wheel, cardtegories, frogtastic, two truths and one lie, and several others. 

As far as commercially produced digital math games, they are out there but one has to take time to regularly check sites because some of them disappear, some are bought by other groups, or they suddenly change from free to offering a 30 day free trial.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.