In the modern world, we are often consumed by a fast-paced way of life. However, during the period of the coronavirus, the world came to a halt and gave us the opportunity to take time for ourselves and our loved ones. Since most households have at least one board game, it has become a very common way of socializing, relaxing, and a form of digital detox. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest and need for board games. Consequently, this has led to a transformation and enhancement of the level of board games. Nowadays, we can find numerous educational board games that can easily be incorporated into the educational process, contributing to interactive and alternative methods of teaching. At the same time, this also emphasizes the importance of play in a child's development.
The aim of this master's thesis is to examine the possibilities of integrating board games into the teaching of mathematics, which is often considered the most demanding and abstract subject both at the elementary and secondary levels of education. The empirical part of the thesis will consist of both quantitative and qualitative components. The qualitative part will involve a systematic review and analysis of existing mathematical board games designed around mathematical content. The review will encompass the rules of board games, their connection to learning objectives, and later an analysis of the quality of board games based on predetermined criteria. The quantitative part will involve a questionnaire for elementary school teachers to explore their attitudes towards the use of board games in the educational process. Through the questionnaire, we will examine the most common methods and forms of teaching used by teachers in mathematics education. Part of the survey will also be dedicated to presenting some board games as a teaching method, teachers' attitudes towards innovative teaching methods, and constructive criticism regarding the use of board games as a teaching method in mathematics classes.
The result of the empirical research will be a short publication or manual for teachers, containing guidelines for using board games, differentiation tips, and mathematical content and objectives underlying these games. This master's thesis will thus contribute to the next generations of teachers who wish to enrich mathematics education and present its content in a new and familiar way to some students. We also believe that integrating board games into the school system could positively impact students' motivation, not only in mathematics classes but also in other subjects.
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