Evaluating the Effectiveness of Lego Robots in Engaged Scholarship

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of Lego Robotics Training on learner performance in mathematics. This research was conducted partially to determine the efficacy of a community engagement project that was established to inspire young people's interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The project uses LEGO League robotics to mentor learners (aged 10 to 16 years) to build and program robots and to do research based on real-world issues. Proficiency in mathematics is a foundation to all STEM related disciplines. Hence, this study aims to determine if using LEGO robotics may be used as a tool to improve proficiency in mathematics or, at least, encourage learners to develop an interest in STEM related disciplines.