Mathematical games

Mathematic games are fun activities that develop mathematic strategies and

skills. They can be competitive, cooperative, whole group, small group, or solitary.

Mathematical games involved activities which can be challenged, usually against one or

more opponents. Normally, they have a distinct finishing point and have specific

mathematical cognitive objectives. The main advantages of using games in a

mathematical programme are increased learning, independence, social interaction and

positive attitude.

How do you feel while playing games? You will feel enjoyment. The concept of

mathematical games may be for an academic purpose, but it is designed to make

students feel that they are merely playing games. The purpose that mathematical

games are created is to allow students to have fun while learning the subject which is

considered to be difficult. Mathematical games propagate learning by helping the

students understand it more. This is because students can learn mathematic in their

own pace, and if they are still confused with some past lessons in mathematics,

mathematical games software allow them to browse back on those lessons and learn

them again. It also propagates fun by the series of games that students have to play in

relation to the subject.

Furthermore, children can work independently of the teacher. Games often

include language and rules that are unique to that game. The rules of the game and the

children's motivation usually keep them on task. They might be confused by a new

game that they have never experienced. Therefore, it is important for the teacher to

preview each game in order to highlight any new vocabulary, mathematic concepts, and

language structures that need in order to fully participate and be successful in that

activity. If given this kind of support, children can learn to do themselves. Allow them to

work together in small groups or as a larger group. Facilitating learning during the

games by asking questions can encourage students to use what they know about

mathematic to find the answer. On the other hand, it can increase their independence to

find the answer and understand the mathematic concepts that used.

Nevertheless, mathematics games also encourage social interaction among the

students. Many of the games can be played using teams where students can strategize

together and model for one another. In a group of children playing a game, one child

might be encountering a concept for the first time, another may be developing his/her

understanding of the concept. However, some students who lack confidence in their

language and mathematics skills may be reluctant participants. It may be the best for

the teacher to first demonstrate or model how the games are played. So, they can

access the mathematical learning as well as engage in structured social interaction.

Last but not the least, the applications of mathematical skills is created by

games. The children freely choose to participate and enjoy playing the games. These

games give lots of benefit to children. Besides that, games also provide opportunities for

building self-concept and developing positive attitudes towards mathematics, through

reducing the fear of failure and error. They will feel more confident to answer

mathematics question. Children's thinking often becomes apparent through the actions

and decisions they make during a game when communicate each other. Then, it will

produce positive value such as cooperative, self confidence and so on.

As a conclusion, knowing mathematics games are a fun way for students to build

mathematic skills and practice problem solving. But, the teachers should select

appropriate mathematics games that target particular strategies and skills and tap

student's interests as we all know that children enjoy playing games. Games can be

very productive learning activities.