Games - teaching mathematics through the medium of a foreign language

Abstract

This thesis is about a study looking into the viability to use Minecraft as a teaching tool in order to teach basic geometry. Using Minecraft Educational edition and based on principles from Self- Determination theory, two specifically tailored maps were created, one was a review towards area and perimeter, and the other one was directed towards volume, a new concept for them to discover. 15 fifth grade students, 9 boys and 6 girls, participated in this study, they were split between two separate groups that participated in this study. Children were given an assessment test to find out what everyone's level is at. Once completed they received tablets with a custom map and some worksheets to go along with it. Students progressed through the maps at an individual pace, with no time restriction they were free to explore in the direction they wished. When finished the children were tested again for comparison. Results have shown that students have the abilities to intuitively discover how to calculate volume after a quick area and perimeter review. Additionally, very positive responses have been expressed during the entire study with increased attentiveness and complete immersion. Potential uses of such discoveries could help alleviate the current work load that our current school system experiences.

Tato diplomová práce je o studii, která se zabývá použitelností počítačové hry Minecraft jako plnohodnotný vyučovacího nástroj pro geometrii. Bylo použito Minecraft Educational edition, kde byly vytvořeny dvě speciálně přizpůsobené mapy, první jako opakující směrem k obsahu a obvodu, a druhá směrem k objemu. Zůčastnilo se patnáct žáků páté třídy, z toho devět chlapců a šest dívek. Dětem byl dán test a poté hra Minecraft na tabletu s pracovními listy. Studenti postupovali po mapách individuálním tempem a po dokončení testu byli znovu testováni. Výsledky ukázaly, že studenti mají schopnost intuitivně objevovat jak vypočítat objem. Potencionální využití takových objevů by mohlo pomoci zmírnit současnou pracovní zátěž současné zkušenosti školského systému. KLÍČOVÁ SLOVA Minecraft, geometrie, matematika, video hry, motivace, vnitřní a vnější