To Play or to Learn?: A Review of Game-Based Math Learning for Motivation and Cognition

Research evidence of the last two decades indicates positive effects of game-based learning on students’ attitude and performance in math education. Game-based Internet math sites are geared to help students stay motivated and master grade-appropriate math concepts. This review presents One) a literature review on game-based learning via instructional design and game design considerations, Two) a tabulated review of 30 Internet math games from a math educator’s first-hand experience in playing and critiquing in reference to Grades 6th 8th players’ motivation and cognition. Its educational implications include helping educators (a) select Internet math games with a heightened awareness of Internet games’ motivational factors and concept-building potential during gameplay and (b) incorporate game-based technology to foster meaningful immersion when students explore mathematical concepts.