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Teaching Mathematics with Non-Digital Tools: A Case Study with Elementary School Students Using Poly-Universe Game

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Title: Teaching Mathematics with Non-Digital Tools: A Case Study with Elementary School Students Using Poly-Universe Game
Language: English
Authors: Edith Debrenti, Hajnal Annamária Bella
Source: Acta Didactica Napocensia. 2025 18(1):46-58.
Availability: Babes-Bolyai University. Kogainiceanu 1, Cluj-Napoca, 400084 Romania. e-mail: submit_adn@yahoo.com; Web site: http://adn.teaching.ro
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Early Childhood Education
Grade 1
Primary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Grade 6
Middle Schools
Descriptors: Mathematics Instruction, Elementary School Mathematics, Elementary School Students, Game Based Learning, Manipulative Materials, Problem Solving, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Games, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Students, Academically Gifted, Student Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Grade 1, Grade 4, Grade 6, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: Romania
ISSN: 2065-1430
Abstract: Teachers in kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools use hands-on manipulatives to help students grasp concepts in areas such as numbers, operations, geometry, algebra, measurement, data analysis, and probability. These manipulatives and interactive games are essential for fostering mathematical understanding, enabling students to build, reinforce, and connect different representations of mathematical ideas. Skillfully incorporating manipulatives in lessons has significant potential to enhance students' learning in mathematics. A key objective of our research was to introduce the Poly-Universe game family to students in grades I to VI, mathematically gifted high school students, and primary teachers. By familiarizing participants with the game's basic shapes, sizes, colors, and various applications, we aimed to investigate students' problem-solving and problem-posing abilities through action research--beginning with methodological examples and progressing to games and ideas they developed themselves. Our observations revealed that students who engaged in problem-solving activities showed a positive shift in their attitude toward learning mathematics. We also found that the Poly-Universe kit could be effectively integrated into personal development, language, math, and art classes, making it a versatile tool adaptable to nearly any classroom. The play set encouraged creative thinking through hands-on activities and challenging scenarios, making learning enjoyable and confidence-boosting for students of all ages. From a teacher's perspective, we believe these tools are invaluable, as they allow every student to create and experience moments of success.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1480141
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Teaching Mathematics with Non-Digital Tools: A Case Study with Elementary School Students Using Poly-Universe Game
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Acta+Didactica+Napocensia%22"><i>Acta Didactica Napocensia</i></searchLink>. 2025 18(1):46-58.
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  Data: Babes-Bolyai University. Kogainiceanu 1, Cluj-Napoca, 400084 Romania. e-mail: submit_adn@yahoo.com; Web site: http://adn.teaching.ro
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  Data: Teachers in kindergarten, primary, and secondary schools use hands-on manipulatives to help students grasp concepts in areas such as numbers, operations, geometry, algebra, measurement, data analysis, and probability. These manipulatives and interactive games are essential for fostering mathematical understanding, enabling students to build, reinforce, and connect different representations of mathematical ideas. Skillfully incorporating manipulatives in lessons has significant potential to enhance students' learning in mathematics. A key objective of our research was to introduce the Poly-Universe game family to students in grades I to VI, mathematically gifted high school students, and primary teachers. By familiarizing participants with the game's basic shapes, sizes, colors, and various applications, we aimed to investigate students' problem-solving and problem-posing abilities through action research--beginning with methodological examples and progressing to games and ideas they developed themselves. Our observations revealed that students who engaged in problem-solving activities showed a positive shift in their attitude toward learning mathematics. We also found that the Poly-Universe kit could be effectively integrated into personal development, language, math, and art classes, making it a versatile tool adaptable to nearly any classroom. The play set encouraged creative thinking through hands-on activities and challenging scenarios, making learning enjoyable and confidence-boosting for students of all ages. From a teacher's perspective, we believe these tools are invaluable, as they allow every student to create and experience moments of success.
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 13
        StartPage: 46
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Mathematics Instruction
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Mathematics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Game Based Learning
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Manipulative Materials
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem Solving
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Instructional Effectiveness
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Educational Games
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Elementary School Teachers
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Secondary School Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Academically Gifted
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Teacher Attitudes
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Grade 1
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Grade 4
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Grade 6
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Romania
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Teaching Mathematics with Non-Digital Tools: A Case Study with Elementary School Students Using Poly-Universe Game
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            NameFull: Edith Debrenti
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            NameFull: Hajnal Annamária Bella
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              Y: 2025
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