Abstract:
Our paper summarizes a study that used game-based learning activities (GBLA) That we
designed to teach underprepared university algebra students how to simplify polynomials. The activities were designed to visually, verbally and kinetically reinforce the concepts of combining like terms to add, subtract and simplify polynomials. We compared the achievement and attitudes of a study group who played the game, worked in groups to create their own polynomials and then completed a worksheet, to that of a control group who was taught by traditional lecture. Our analysis shows that GBLA improved the study group’s performance and the final results were better than the group using traditional method. We observed a positive disposition of the participants in the learning activity.
Key words: game play, learning activities, developmental mathematics, remedial mathematics, polynomials, algebra, like terms, simplifying polynomials, adding polynomials, subtracting polynomials.