A Systematic Review of the Most Effective Digital Math Learning Games for Elementary Students

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Abstract

In an increasingly digital world, game-based learning (GBL) has become extremely popular for many subjects (i.e., math, science). In mathematics, digital game-based learning (DGBL) has helped increase positive academic emotions (Conati & Gutica, 2016), but less is known about whether math games can decrease math anxiety and increase math achievement (Vanbecelaere et al., 2020; Ke & Grabowski, 2007). This systematic review is the first to offer a synthesis of the number of studies on the relationship between digital math games, math anxiety, and math achievement (N=47). This synthesis demonstrates that few articles have conclusive findings regarding the effectiveness of digital math games for elementary school-aged children’s math achievement and anxiety.

Authors

• Ana Zdravkovic, University of Toronto

• Stephanie Buono, University Health Network