Editorial: is Game-Based Math Learning Finally Coming of Age?

Abstract

Acquisition of mathematical skills is crucial for today’s society.  Individuals who experience difficulties in learning basic mathematics can be at a great disadvantage in their professional lives. Nevertheless, fewer research efforts have been directed toward mathematical development and mathematical difficulties than toward some other areas of development, such as language and literacy. In fact, it has been argued that at an individual level, insufficient mathematical competencies may be even more harmful to career prospects than reading or spelling deficiencies. From a societal perspective, mathematical deficiencies can lead to significant costs. Thus, it is important to develop more engaging and effective methods that can be used to enhance children’s conceptual understanding of mathematics, develop mathematical thinking processes, and improve arithmetical skills.

Digital games provide interesting possibilities to support and study mathematical development. Yes, whereas it is easy to find online mathematics training solutions, games, and apps, only a small fraction of existing mathematics learning games are  founded on theoretically sound principles, integrate mathematics directly into the gameplay, rely on good pedagogical practices, and  really utilize the possibilities that game technologies provide for learning.