Math Detective: Digital Game-Based Mathematical Error Dectection, Correction and Explanation

Abstract

Students may inevitably make errors when learning mathematics. We should positively regard these errors, which could be used as a valuable learning resource. For this reason, this study designed a computer-based learning game, called Math Detective. The game comprised a learning process of error detection, correction and explanation. In this game, students can play the role of detectives to find out errors in multiplication and figure out the reasons. A questionnaire was carried out to preliminarily evaluate students' opinions about their own performance in the activity and the functions of the system. Although the results did not show any tendency for their self-rated performance, students thought the functions of the system helped them a lot. Even so, more design on assisting them to explain errors still needed to be provided and investigated in the future.