A Pilot study to assess the impacts of game-based construction learning, using scratch, on students’ multi-step equation-solving performance

Abstract

This study examined the effects of students’ construction of computer-based educational games, using Scratch, on their mathematical equation-solving performance and their attitudes towards learning mathematics with the assistance of technology. A one-group, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study design, was adopted. A total of 89 seventh grade students from three classes at a public school in Beijing, China, offering 9 years of compulsory education, participated in Scratch-based mathematical game-making activities. Data were collected via an equations-solving test, surveys, interviews and member checking, and pairwise t-tests were performed for data analysis. The results indicated significant improvements in students’ equation-solving performance and in their attitudes towards learning mathematics with the assistance of technology.