Game playing to develop mental computation: A case study

Abstract

This research investigated the use of game playing for mental computation development. As part of a larger case study of a Year 6 class, classroom observation data were used to examine the nature of students’ mental computations. Findings indicated that regular playing of a number-based game that was scaffolded by teacher designed learning structures supported students’ engagement in mental recall, verbalisation of computation steps, using a range of mental strategies, and experimenting with number combinations.