Attention, Action Video Games, and Mathematics

• In Event: 60.083 - Roundtable Session 19
  In Roundtable Session: 60.083-6 - Adaptivity, Flipped Learning, Attention, and Formative Assessment

Abstract

Action video games (AVGs) is an effective way to improve attentional capabilities that are important for academic foundations. This experimental study investigated the effects of AVG practice on pre-service elementary teachers’ mathematics performance and mathematics anxiety as mediated by the effect of attention on working memory. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to one of two intervention conditions: AVG and non-AVG. The intervention and pre-post time effects on student working memory performance, mental rotation skills, cognitive load, mathematics performance, anxiety, and confidence were analyzed. After 10 hours of video gaming, both intervention groups significantly improved their working memory, mental rotation skills, and mathematics performance from pre- to post-test. Furthermore, student cognitive load significantly decreased from pre- to post-test for both groups.

Authors

• Elena Novak, Kent State University

• Janet Lynne Tassell, Western Kentucky University