Mathematics Innovative Gamification for At-Risk Students

Abstract

Many researches emphasize the importance of developing students’ ability to solve problems related to number or algebraic equations. As at-risk students’ understandings of the algebraic concepts are in need of guidance, this study intends to innovative gamification for at-risk students to solve number equations through the use of Flexi-EQ Solver. In this quantitative study, a randomly selected 161 at-risk students answered the test questions. From the test answers, students’ difficulties in learning mathematics concepts were analyzed. On the other hand, another 56 randomly selected at-risk students answered a questionnaire. From the test analysis, the students face major difficulties in factorization on algebraic expression, linear equations in one variable, transformation of formula and solving logarithmic equations. An innovative gamification framework embedded in Flexi-EQ Solver was then proposed for atrisk students. Flexi-EQ Solver which also called as Flexible-Equations Solver is a flexible interface featuring step-by-step exploration solutions for exponential, logarithmic, square and square root, inequality, decimal, percentage, fraction and trigonometric equations. Flexi-EQ Solver helps at-risk students to visualize number equations by seeing, touching, hands-on and manipulating it. On the average, the respondents agreed on the use of Flexi-EQ Solver for learning mathematics. With respect to the usage of Flexi-EQ Solver, 57.1% of the respondents highly recommended the use of Flexi-EQ Solver. Majority of at-risk students proposed the incorporation of visual learning theory and multiple representations as an innovative gamification framework in learning mathematical skills.