The
Use of Educational Games and Virtual Manipulatives to Improve Students’
Engagement in Math Classroom
Mathematical
instruction is important in student education. In the modern society,
mathematics plays a critical role in solving problems. Therefore, competency as
adults in the workplace is hard to attain unless the learners understand the
core mathematical concepts such as reasoning and functionality. The teachers
should enforce these foundational ideals at an early age using right learning
tools. As learning technology advances, the educators have to adapt the latest
tools such as virtual manipulatives and educational games for effectiveness. For instance, learners that
initially failed algebra tests score better after using virtual manipulatives.
Given that educational games and virtual manipulatives require an exertion of physical actions, the students
enhance their understanding and memory.
The
research is important in the mathematical field since it entails learning with
a focus on deciphering its important
objective. Moreover, virtual manipulatives and educational games allow hands-on
concrete representation and exploration of mathematical concepts. It is
interesting that despite the conviction of teachers that virtual manipulatives
and educational games are essential, numerous studies regard them as
non-beneficial. Even as the debate continues, NCTM (the National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics) has endorsed the application of Information Technology
to boost learning.
Since
the utilization of educational games and virtual manipulatives in learning is
still at an early stage, research on
their effectiveness is inconclusive. Yet,
the incorporation of the two contributes significantly to students’ success.
Studies also suggest that the acceptance of virtual manipulatives and
educational games by both the learners and teachers increase as they advance
from one grade to the other.
Conceptual Framework
According to previous studies, manipulatives and
educational games increase learners’ conceptual understanding. Considering the
correlations representing ineffective and effective tech use for mathematical
communication is not only impressive but also necessary. In fact, the
researcher ought to analyze the relational aspects for a conclusive outcome.
Further, research indicates that children learn through exploration of the
surroundings. As they play and interact with each other, they mentally map out
a representation of their world. Therefore, children in fourth and fifth grades
improve their learning and reasoning skills through hands-on experiences
instead of abstract concepts.
A mathematical virtual manipulative
refers to a visual object for exploring mathematical concepts using an active
and hands-on approach. They can include virtual cubes, shapes, paper, and
counters. In an era of information technology, most schools in the United
States are increasingly replacing traditional learning with virtual
manipulatives and educational games. Further, using these tools directly
correlates with mental math development. It yields a better conceptual
understanding and relatively good outcome in comparison to the traditional
learning techniques. Nearly all the findings show that educational games assist
students during the learning process, thus leading to increased achievement,
especially in mathematical education.
Other research outcomes differ as per the use of virtual
manipulatives in distinct learning settings. Still, using educational games
correlates positively with late improvement of the learners’ mental
mathematics, understanding, and achievement. For instance, base-10 blocks
improve the learner’s conceptual understanding given that it has different
mathematical units (such as thin rods and flats) generating learning interests
and curiosity.
Cognitive tools and meaningful educational activities can
improve the learner’s active involvement in the learning-teaching process. In
addition, they encourage student’s reflections on concepts and links to be
investigated. If the students use
educational games regularly, their problem-solving skills and conceptual
understanding improve significantly.
Additionally, they will develop a positive attitude towards the subject due to
concrete experiences that increase motivation levels while focusing attention.
In a mathematical context, meaningful ideas and situations constitute concrete
experience. For example, a learner can conceive a conceptual understanding of
the number ‘4’ through building an arithmetical representation and linking it
to a pictured virtual block in an educational game.
Computer manipulatives and games provide interactive
learning environment so that learner can introduce and solve their problems. In
turn, they establish connections between operations and mathematical concepts
even as they receive an immediate feedback regarding their activities. In light
of this, the educators and software developers must design specific
manipulatives focusing at distinctive math concepts. Studies reveal that
virtual manipulatives and educational games provide further benefits over
physical manipulatives. The former eliminates part of the constraints imposed by the latter on the task. The
research, therefore, introduces virtual manipulatives and games in mathematical
education. In addition, the researcher thoroughly discusses the implications of
using these tools.
Methodology
The
research question guiding the study is “does the use of educational games and
virtual manipulatives improve students’ engagement in the math classroom?” The researcher observed the
study subjects for two weeks. Thereafter, he compiled the data from students
that used educational games and those that studied maths using virtual
manipulatives. Notably, the investigator assessed the participants using pre-
and post-tests. Then, the collected information was analyzed extensively for
interpretation on the impact of both virtual manipulatives and educational
games on students’ success in mathematics.
A
fourth and fifth grade teachers distributed the manipulatives and educational
games to all the students irrespective of their level of understanding. The
move is necessary in ensuring an exclusive outcome. Besides, the researcher
conducted the study in an ordinary teaching setting, hence there was no need
for parental or student consent. During the study, the students learned new
mathematical concepts, thus improving the outcome’s authenticity due to limited
data distortion.
Just wanna say a big thank you Neme Amber for introducing me to Dr Emmanuel the great HERBALIST that helped me prepare home remedies that cured my herpes (HSV 2).
ReplyDeleteI was infected with HSV 2 for the past two years and i was unable to get a better job cos all the company i was to get employed checked our blood test and found out that i was positive to GENITAL HERPES and i loosed employment.
So i was desperate to get a cure so that i can live normal and get my job training.
i earlier made some research and i contacted some doctors online but they keep on asking for money for courier after that they'll tell you that tax and so more so i became broke and frustrated.
One day i was less busy so i decided to make latest research on herpes cure and i found a site were everyone was talking about DR Emmanuel and herbs ability to cure herpes.
So i discussed with Neme Amber and she explained to me that its very easy working with Dr Emmanuel so i contacted DR Emmanuel via email ( nativehealthclinic@gmail.com ) and he helped me just as he has helped others now im cured and different medical centers has tested me and approved me cured.
so i decided to thank Neme Amber cos she made it possible for me.
and i can also assure you that he can also help you. so if you need the service of DR emmanuel, ill put his details here so that you can easily get in touch wif him.
his email: nativehealthclinic@gmail.com or WhatsApp him at +2348140073965.
my Name is Grace from US,once again thanks to Neme Amber. im fucking hapy....