Learning math can be a daunting task for many students, making it hard to stay motivated and engaged. However, learning math through games is an exciting and engaging way to make math fun for everyone! Dr. Janelle McFeeters, an associate professor in elementary mathematics education at the University of Alberta, is an expert on learning through games. She has observed students learning mathematics in meaningful ways through commercial games in many elementary classrooms. Dr. Mcfeeters grew up in a game-playing family and her interest in using games in classrooms started when she was a high school math teacher. She designed her whole logic unit around logic games and had her students develop strategies for the games and build physical copies of the games themselves.
Dr. McFeeters believes that introducing games in high school math classes can help students accept it as an important part of their mathematical learning. She has worked in five or six different schools over the last half a dozen years to explore what students are learning in math class as they play carefully selected games. These games are designed to relate to mathematical concepts and processes and help students learn how to reason logically.
Playing games can help students stay motivated and engaged in math. They can also develop strategies and reasoning skills that are essential for success in math. By using carefully selected games, students can have fun while learning math in a meaningful way.
Teachers can use games to understand their students better. By playing the same games as their students, teachers can gain insight into their students’ thinking processes, interests, and how they approach problem-solving. Games like Go, Gobblet Gobblers, and Tick Tack Toe can help students develop logical reasoning skills and spatial awareness. Games can also be used to explore geometry and other math topics.
Games can be used to meet curricular outcomes. Teachers should take the time to plan out how they will use the games in the classroom, ensuring that the students are learning the necessary math skills while still having fun. To shift mindsets, teachers should provide powerful experiences for themselves first by engaging in the same activities as their students.
Logical reasoning is an essential skill for students to learn. Games that involve logical reasoning can be a great way for students to practice this skill in an enjoyable way. Games like Santorini and Goblet Gobblers can be used in the classroom to introduce students to logical reasoning and to help them develop their skills. By playing games that involve logical reasoning, students can learn to think critically and to develop problem-solving skills. Games can also help students become more creative and develop their own strategies.
Finally, games that involve logical reasoning can be a great tool for teachers to use in the classroom. Introducing games that involve logical reasoning can help students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Games can also help students develop their spatial reasoning skills, and provide an opportunity for students to practice collaboration and cooperation, as well as their social skills. Redefining the basics as logical reasoning is an important step in helping students become more successful in the classroom and in life. In conclusion, playing games can be a great way to learn math, understand students better, and develop essential skills like logical reasoning. Teachers should take the time to select games that align with curricular outcomes and plan how they will be used in the classroom. By doing so, students can have fun while learning math in a meaningful way.
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