Die invloed van wiskundespeletjies op die prestasie van wiskundeleerders in die Xhariep-distrik

[摘要] English: The purpose of this study was to establish whether the use of mathematical games as analternative, informal teaching method could improve the performance (achievement)levels in mathematics or not.Philosophical viewpoints of earlier as well as more contemporary researchers regardingteaching and learning were consulted in order to strengthen motivation for the use ofmathematical games in the classroom.The intervention, during which learners were exposed to mathematical games, took placeover a period of six months. During the study the impact that games have on cognitivefactors, namely knowledge and skills, as well as affective factors, like fear formathematics (mathematical anxiety), self-concept and motivation of learners, wereinvestigated. Quantitative data was analyzed statistically in order to establish thesignificance of changes. Qualitative data, obtained from observations and interviews,was used in the triangulation process,The use of mathematical games as an alternative, informal method of teaching not onlyimproved cognitive development in learners, but also had a positive influence on theiraffective development. Their self-concept improved, their fear for mathematicsdiminished and their motivation to be involved in mathematics increased.Play, as one of the didactic fundamentals, should be acknowledged in the newcurriculum. The study has proven that mathematical games, used as an alternative,informal method of teaching, can be used in the mathematics classroom with success inorder to improve the performance (mathematical achievements) of learners.

[发布机构] University of the Free State