TU Dublin Researchers Combat Maths Anxiety with Game-Based Learning
The Happy Maths programme, an impactful engagement initiative led by researchers at the Schools of Computer Science in TU Dublin, is generating interest in the world of primary education by using game-based learning to address the pervasive issue of maths anxiety. Funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC), the Happy Maths research team will host the very first Happy Maths Cup on the University's campus in Grangegorman on Tuesday, 18 June, which will see 100 pupils from 20 primary school classes compete using the games created by researchers to help more young people have fun with maths.
Maths anxiety is a significant concern in Ireland, affecting one out of six primary school students, particularly those in areas of social disadvantage. A recent survey involving 1,338 parents and 1,714 primary school students revealed that maths anxiety is more prevalent in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) pupils, perpetuating a cycle of social inequalities and limiting future career opportunities for these children. Anxiety is also more severe among girls, exacerbating gender inequalities in STEM education and careers.
Happy Maths, which was created byTU Dublin’s Dr Pierpaolo Dondio and Dr Mariana Rocha, aims to break this cycle by offering a more creative and playful approach to maths education, which aligns with the new maths curriculum introduced by the Minister for Education. Norma Foley TD last year. The programme's evaluation shows promising results, with high engagement levels from anxious and non-anxious students and marked improvements in specific maths skills. Dr. Pierpaolo Dondio, Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at TU Dublin said
Maths enters a child's life through games: a simple card game, a board game, counting, or a game of chess. The new maths curriculum introduced by Minister Foley is characterised by playfulness and creativity, offering opportunities for reasoning and solving real-life problems. Happy Maths offers a new approach using game-based learning in mathematics, which teachers can use to implement the curriculum when it commences in 2025
Happy Maths explicitly targets several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5). By improving the quality of maths education and mitigating the effects of maths anxiety, it aims to enhance children's overall well-being and promote gender equality in education.
The Happy Maths programme has already made significant strides earning the TU Dublin President Award 2019/2020, and three international awards for "best game" at the Irish Conference on Game-Based Learning and the European Conference on Game-Based Learning. In 2023, Dr Dondio was named a Fulbright Scholar, expanding the programme's reach and evaluating its effectiveness in collaboration with the University of Chicago and Georgetown University.
Dr Dondio remarked,
We did not expect kids would engage with our games so much, and this is evidence that maths can be taught in novel and creative ways. The Happy Maths Cup will celebrate and reward our best players with a day of fun competition. Happy Maths has provided a one-of-a-kind journey where the vibrant enthusiasm of the students rejuvenated our spirits, infusing us with youthful energy and a renewed passion for mathematics
Building on the lessons learned over the past three years, the Happy Maths research team is developing a new version of their games that better adapts and personalises content to each child's needs. This next phase aims to close the performance gap between boys and girls and ensure that all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, can enjoy and excel in maths.
The Happy Maths Cup took place on TU Dublin’s Grangegorman Campus on Tuesday, 18th of June 2024