Math Games in Intruction Area

         Teachers are placed under so much pressure with time and paper work to meet state criteria that the fun learning concepts are being pulled from schools. Teachers constantly feel as though there is no time for games in the classroom. Dr. Nanci Smith feels that games can make a teachers' job easier, especially math skill related games. She explains several ways in which teachers may use games to differentiate instruction. The first is to offer a variety of choices within in games. This variation contributes to a higher motivation among the students. Secondly, teachers should address students' readiness levels through the games. However, with this differentiation students should be regularly assessed by the teacher. Another aspect of differentiation might be providing students who do not like the idea of learning with games a different way to learn the skills. Typically, students become more engaged in the learning process if they feel as though it is fun or that they are controlling their learning. The repetivite practice of the games can reinforce facts and skills. With a little creativity games may be used to reinforce any skill. However, as with any concept there are a few downfalls.
         One major problem is that students do not do the math correctly during a game and they have no idea its wrong. Student must be held accountable for what they are doing even when playing games. Also, students often do not make the connections between the game and the written mathematics. It is important that teachers help the students make connections and fully understand the concepts they are practicing.
         I feel that games are a great way for students to practice their skills and facts. However, as mentioned by Dr. Smith, not all students learning is reinforced well by games so teachers must also provide other reinforcment acitivties for the students. I also believe that with these games and other activites teachers should allow the children to have fun. It is important for the students to reach the course objectives, but they need to want to fully understand them. Hands on activities seem to help students further engage themselves in wanting to learn helping them become better students.

Resources:

Delisio, Ellen R. Math Games Can Target Key Instruction Areas. Educational World, c2010.
            http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat256.shtml