| dc.description.abstract | With the development of technology, students learn knowledge not only in the classroom, but also individually via Internet. They need to decide what they want to learn, and how well they learn. However, primary mathematical education currently adopts teacher-centered learning with spiral curriculum. Although spiral paradigm may be suitable for students’ ability development, it cannot allow them to realize the relationship among knowledge. Therefore, this study designs an educational game, called “Math Island”, which is based on a knowledge map. This game is designed for first graders to build core mathematical concepts and their relationship. Unlike conventional instruction in classrooms, the game provides learning materials in a game-based knowledge map, which allows students to explore. In Math Island, they may choose learning content, and adjust their direction for self-paced learning.
This study aims to investigate the effect of Math Island on students’ knowledge development as well as the influence of mathematical knowledge map and visualization learning process on self-paced learning. For preliminary evaluation, this study used a mathematical ability assessment for low graders, motivation questionnaires, and interviews for data collection and analysis. The results showed that Math Island may significantly improve students’ mathematical ability. Furthermore, some of the students may learn beyond the standard progress. These findings implied that the design of Math Island may help students learn mathematics. | en_US |