Engaging Children in Math: Game-Based and Playful Approaches to Learning
A special issue of Education Sciences (ISSN 2227-7102).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 1860
Special Issue Editors
Interests: game-based learning in mathematics; game-based pedagogy; utilization of resources for teaching and learning mathematics
Interests: learning secondary mathematics; the utilization of (new) technologies and digital games in mathematics; game-based pedagogy
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue will explore how games and playful activities can enrich mathematics education for students across all grade levels. Although games have long been recognized as valuable tools for learning in early childhood and are often integrated into the curricula for younger students, there is an increasing recognition of their potential value in middle school, high school, and even tertiary education. Games and playful activities provide engaging and effective approaches for teaching mathematical concepts across all educational stages, fostering sustained interest and engagement in mathematics.
Despite this potential, research on the role of games in mathematics education remains in its early stages, although recent digital advancements and new game formats have spurred increased interest. Digital technologies, including video games, role-playing games, live-action role plays (LARPs), next-generation board games, and escape rooms, provide a wide range of tools to engage students in mathematical thinking across diverse age groups and educational settings. These game-based approaches have shown promise in motivating learners, enhancing comprehension, and increasing engagement through interactive and immersive experiences.
This Special Issue aims to advance the discussion on playful and game-based learning and their theoretical foundations in mathematics education, to highlight emerging themes in the field and to showcase recent findings from international studies. We welcome papers examining topics such as the following:
- Theoretical perspectives on the role of games and play in cognitive and emotional engagement in mathematics across various educational stages;
- Insights into how different game formats (digital games, role-playing games, board games, and others) impact mathematical understanding and skill development from primary through secondary and tertiary education;
- Empirical studies detailing the design, implementation, and outcomes of game-based approaches in diverse educational settings and across different grade levels;
- Case studies and practical examples of effective game-based interventions, particularly those addressing common challenges in mathematics learning, such as anxiety, low engagement, or motivation, across all ages;
- Discussions on curriculum integration and the potential for games to support differentiated and inclusive learning in mathematics, adaptable to varying levels of mathematical competence and understanding.
Dr. Ljerka Jukić Matić
Dr. Sonia Abrantes Garcêz Palha
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Education Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- mathematics
- engagement
- playful activities
- game-based learning
- game-based pedagogy
- gamification
- designing games
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