Making Math Meaningful: The Role of Relevance in Increasing Engagement and Achievement through Culturally-Relevant and Place-Based Digital Math Games

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Social, Cultural, and Emotional Foundations of Student Learning and Motivation

Abstract

Improving math instruction is a critical issue to address for broadening participation in STEM fields. This study examined initial efficacy evidence for an NSF-funded intervention featuring culturally-relevant and place-based math games. The research explored (1) the influence of game integration on students’ math achievement, and (2) the within- and between-person effects of students’ perception of relevance on their math engagement and knowledge scores. Results showed that students in intervention course sections with access to LVIA had significantly higher course grade on average compared to those in control course sections. Effects decomposition analysis also showed that within- and between-person relevance have unique effects on cognitive, behavioral and affective engagement, as well as on knowledge test scores.

Authors

• Vanessa Wanchanit Vongkulluksn, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Monica Ceja Rodriguez, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Dulshi Nimasha Fernando, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Monika Neda, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Jacimaria Batista, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Alok Pandey, College of Southern Nevada

• Daniel Sahl, University of Nevada - Las Vegas