Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
10:26
Problem-Solving Before Instruction PS-I: A Protocol for Assessment and Intervention in Students with Different Abilities
Published on: September 11, 2021
4.3K
Digitally Supervised Play of Math Games Improves Math Learning More When the Games Are Played With Peers Than When
Nadir Díaz-Simón1, Guillermo Trinidad2, Dinorah de León3
1Numerical Cognition Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Western University.
Cognitive Science
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Group-based digital math games with partial feedback significantly improved children's math skills more than individual play. This approach fosters collaboration and discussion, complementing traditional math education.
Area of Science:
- Educational Technology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Mathematics Education
Background:
- Many children struggle with school mathematics, leading to initiatives using digital technology for personalized feedback.
- Individualized digital training can reduce valuable peer interaction, collaboration, and teacher-led instruction.
- Existing methods often overlook the social and collaborative aspects of learning mathematics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a novel approach using digitally-guided group play with partial feedback for mathematics learning.
- To compare the effectiveness of group-based learning with individual digital learning in mathematics.
- To determine if collaborative learning enhances mathematical skill development.
Main Methods:
- Children were randomly assigned to either individual digital tablet play or small-group play with physical cards and a "Magic Box" digital device.
- Both conditions received partial feedback to encourage reflection and error correction.
- Mathematics games were used as the primary learning tool in both experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Group play with the "Magic Box" resulted in greater improvements in children's mathematics skills compared to individual play.
- Partial feedback in both conditions promoted reflection and error correction.
- Collaborative engagement in mathematical problem-solving was associated with enhanced learning outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Group-based mathematics play with partial digital feedback is an effective educational strategy.
- This approach can successfully complement traditional mathematics curricula by fostering collaboration.
- Digital tools can be leveraged to enhance social learning in mathematics education.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Social Foundations of Self I: Play and Game
173
The development of self in children is deeply rooted in social interactions, mainly through stages of play and structured games. These stages, outlined by sociologist George Herbert Mead, illustrate how children progressively learn to understand and adopt social roles, forming a cohesive sense of self.The Play Stage: Imitation and Simple Role-TakingIn the early years of childhood, the play stage is characterized by imitative behavior, where children engage in role-playing based on familiar...
173
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
216
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
216
01:29Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings
154
Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or...
154
01:04Social Facilitation
36.0K
Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
36.0K
01:29Problem-Solving
467
Effective problem-solving consists of two steps: 1. identifying the problem and 2. selecting the appropriate problem-solving strategy (i.e., a plan of action used to find a solution). Humans use four problem-solving strategies:
467
01:29Mathematical Modeling: Problem Solving
218
Mathematical modeling transforms real-world scenarios into mathematical expressions, allowing for structured problem-solving and analysis. This process involves defining the situation, assigning variables to measurable quantities, selecting an appropriate model, and solving the resulting equation. Such models are invaluable in finance, providing precise methods to evaluate investments, loans, and repayment structures.A widely used example is the calculation of fixed monthly payments on a loan,...
218