Game-based learning to address maths literacy challenges
Game-based learning to address maths literacy challenges
Game-based learning to address maths literacy challenges
September 29, 2022
By ChulumancoMahamba
Summary
Educators have leaned into game-based learning to try address maths literacy challenges among South African children.
"Numeracy skills in South Africa have long been a topic of concern among educators, government, and parents across the country, with learners at primary and secondary schooling levels continuing to perform poorly," said international learning programmeSplashLearn.
"A lack of motivation to learn or even an inadequate learning environment are often the biggest barriers to learning at a grassroots level," said Shivad Singh, CEO of Head Start Education Technologies, the official SplashLearnlicence holder in South Africa.
Singh said to address this, SplashLearn's game-based approach to teaching foundational skills in maths and reading tries to make learning more fun for children, allowing them to better grasp concepts and removing the more mundane aspects in traditional teaching approaches.
"Three of our after-school centres, with a total of 30 learners altogether, used the programme. The programme's games are educational, fun and interactive, which kept our learners entertained and engaged for hours."
Danica van Zyl, principal at Isense Kids school in Alberton, said that her school has been using the platform with its pupils for some time and it is a useful learning tool.
"The assignments and tasks are in line with our learning programme and curriculum, and we're incredibly grateful that it's been made free for use for so many teachers and schools. We aim to use the programme to its full potential in the near future by adding devices in the classrooms, so the learners can fully benefit from it," Van Zyl added.
Reference
Mahamba, C. (2022, September 29). Game-based learning to address maths literacy challenges. Retrieved October 6, 2022, from https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/game-based-learning-to-address-maths-literacy-challenges-833276c7-be56-4f36-846b-0b639ffa0f83