Fixing maths pass rates crisis via gamification

SA’s maths matric pass rates have declined once again, plunging the field deeper into crisis. Fixing it requires a holistic approach, including the overhaul of how schools teach this subject.

This is where gamification could make a substantial difference, experts say.

Making mathematics more palatable and relevant improves pupils’ grades, boosts their study options, and increases their chances of finding meaningful work as young adults.

South Africa’s maths education has been a problem for years. In 2019, six in 10 (63%) of Grade 4 and 8 pupils didn’t have the mathematical knowledge and skills they should have.

In the meantime, matric mathematics pass rates have deteriorated for years. According to the department of basic education’s latest national senior certificate examination report, which was published this week, only 125 526 of 233 315 candidates (53.8%) who wrote mathematics last year, passed. That is down from 54.6% in 2019.

The consequences of this are far-reaching, as it feeds into South Africa’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) skills shortage, which has been amplified in the latest National List of Occupations in High Demand.

Experts say the starting point of solving this crisis is to make Stem subjects such as maths more exciting and desirable by tapping into the fourth digital revolution in general and gamification in particular.

“This type of technology uses gaming elements in non-game contexts, in this case, education, to fuel children’s natural drive to compete, perform, learn, and socialise while maximising their overall learning performance,” says Philip von Ziegler, global head of English markets at Smartick.

Founded in 2009, the company has produced an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered online maths programme that gives children aged four to 13 access to a virtual world in exchange for 15 minutes of focused, hardcore maths.

“Your performance during these sessions determines your reward in stars and gems, which you can spend in the virtual world.”

He explains Smartick’s virtual world is as education-centred as the maths sessions themselves, but in a fun way.

The brain game section is Smartick’s most important segment, featuring a wide range of brain games that intend to develop pupils’ memory, logic, reasoning, critical thinking, focus, physical flexibility, and health. “These, too, are essential skills in day-to-day life.”