Integrate math into game play and strategy rather than treating it as an add-on¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Drawing on the study's qualitative findings that students consistently enjoyed the game, the authors recommend that future game designers consider the structure of games like NBA Math Hoops, "in which math is integrated into game play and strategy rather than treated as an 'add-on.'" The strategy treats mathematical operations as intrinsic to the game's mechanics: students compute with dice rolls to determine shot locations and select players. The authors state it is possible to design learning experiences that are both engaging and educative.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A game structure in which mathematical operations are required to play, not appended to it
• Real-world or thematic connections that sustain engagement

Constraints¶

• The recommendation derives from qualitative data in one summer camp study in a single Southern district

Target Learners¶

• Elementary and middle school students in out-of-school-time math programs

Target Learning Goals¶

• Math fluency and problem-solving through engaging game-based learning

Related Strategies¶

• Incorporate game elements that promote interest and enjoyment to support autonomous, sustainable mobile language learning
• How Close to 100?

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• McKinney, D., Walters, K., Powell, K., Sabalburo, E., & Morton, C. (2026). The impact of NBA Math Hoops on students' math achievement: A randomized controlled trial. WestEd. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED681343