Open-Ended Mathematics Learning: Implications From the Design of a Sandbox Game

Matheus A. Cezarotto, Pamela N. Martinez, Ruth Constansa Torres Castillo, Theodore Stanford, Christopher Engledowl, Germain Degardin, Barbara Chamberlin

Source Title: International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL)14(1)

ISSN: 2155-6849|EISSN: 2155-6857|EISBN13: 9798369325162|DOI: 10.4018/IJGBL.337795

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MLA

Cezarotto, Matheus A., et al. "Open-Ended Mathematics Learning: Implications From the Design of a Sandbox Game." IJGBL vol.14, no.1 2024: pp.1-19. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJGBL.337795

APA

Cezarotto, M. A., Martinez, P. N., Torres Castillo, R. C., Stanford, T., Engledowl, C., Degardin, G., & Chamberlin, B. (2024). Open-Ended Mathematics Learning: Implications From the Design of a Sandbox Game. International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL), 14(1), 1-19. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJGBL.337795

Chicago

Cezarotto, Matheus A., et al. "Open-Ended Mathematics Learning: Implications From the Design of a Sandbox Game," International Journal of Game-Based Learning (IJGBL) 14, no.1: 1-19. http://doi.org/10.4018/IJGBL.337795

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Abstract

Mathematical learning has an important role and is often prioritized in education. In K-16 education, algebra is one of the most vital mathematical content domains: it represents one of the top barriers for students pursuing a postsecondary education. Game-based learning has been effective in fostering classroom math learning environments that are collaborative and focused on conceptual understanding. Sandbox games provide open-ended learning environments where players can set their own goals and level of effort. As part of the project “Math Snacks,” the team designed Agrinautica, a sandbox game to enable constructivist-informed early algebra learning. This article identifies design recommendations for creating meaningful sandbox games for learning, considering students' and teachers' needs. Researchers discuss the decisions to create a sandbox game and describe challenges inherent in math learning through sandbox-type gameplay. This study provides impact results from a large-scale study of users of the game, and shares recommendations for developing future sandbox learning games.