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Fostering Creative and Critical Thinking through Math Games: A Case Study of Bachet's Game

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Title: Fostering Creative and Critical Thinking through Math Games: A Case Study of Bachet's Game
Language: English
Authors: Mark Applebaum (ORCID 0000-0002-1131-6188)
Source: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. 2025 13(1):16-26.
Availability: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. Eastern Mediterranean University, Farnagusta, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey. e-mail: editor@scimath.net; Web site: http://www.scimath.net
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Preservice Teacher Education, Preservice Teachers, Mathematics Activities, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Instruction, Game Based Learning, Educational Games, Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Mathematics Skills, Cooperative Learning, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methods
ISSN: 2301-251X
Abstract: Students often perceive mathematics as a challenging and abstract subject, leading to disengagement and anxiety. To address these challenges, educators have increasingly turned to math games as a pedagogical tool to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. This paper explores the potential of math games, particularly Bachet's game, as catalysts for both creative and critical thinking among pre-service teachers (PSTs). By analyzing several adaptations and variations of Bachet's game created by PSTs, the study demonstrates how these games can foster creative problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative learning. The findings suggest that when PSTs are encouraged to modify game rules and environments, they engage in deeper mathematical inquiry and develop flexible, innovative approaches to problem-solving. The paper concludes with a discussion on the benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications of integrating math games into the curriculum to enhance creativity and critical thinking in mathematics education.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1462662
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
  Availability: 0
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  Data: European Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. Eastern Mediterranean University, Farnagusta, TRNC, Mersin 10, Turkey. e-mail: editor@scimath.net; Web site: http://www.scimath.net
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  Data: Students often perceive mathematics as a challenging and abstract subject, leading to disengagement and anxiety. To address these challenges, educators have increasingly turned to math games as a pedagogical tool to make learning more interactive and enjoyable. This paper explores the potential of math games, particularly Bachet's game, as catalysts for both creative and critical thinking among pre-service teachers (PSTs). By analyzing several adaptations and variations of Bachet's game created by PSTs, the study demonstrates how these games can foster creative problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative learning. The findings suggest that when PSTs are encouraged to modify game rules and environments, they engage in deeper mathematical inquiry and develop flexible, innovative approaches to problem-solving. The paper concludes with a discussion on the benefits, challenges, and pedagogical implications of integrating math games into the curriculum to enhance creativity and critical thinking in mathematics education.
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      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 11
        StartPage: 16
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Preservice Teachers
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      – SubjectFull: Mathematics Activities
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      – SubjectFull: Educational Games
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      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
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      – SubjectFull: Mathematics Skills
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      – SubjectFull: Teaching Methods
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