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Abstract
In this research, the effects of using game in mathematics teaching process on academic achievement in Turkey were examined by metaanalysis method. For this purpose, the average effect size value and the average effect size values of the moderator variables (education level, the field of education, game type, implementation period and sample size) were calculated. MetaWin and Comprehensive Meta- Analysis (CMA) statistical programs were used for the analysis. Based on the inclusion criteria, 31 effect size values for 26 studies were calculated. Hedges's g coefficient was used when the effect sizes were calculated and the confidence level was accepted as 95%. The average effect size value was 0.792 with 0.077 standard error which was calculated by random-effects model. As a result, the effects of using game on academic achievement is medium and positive in mathematics teaching process.
Keywords: Game, mathematics, academic achievement, meta-analysis.
Introduction
It is the game itself which facilitates the child's interaction with the environment, completely opens the channels related to the communication. The teachers' use of games affects the perspectives of the children towards school and mathematics. The game has an important place in children's thinking on the numbers and initiating and maintaining mathematical communication (Trawick- Smith, Swaminathan, & Liu, 2016). The game improves oral communication, top-level social interaction skills, creative thinking skills, imaginary and divergent thinking skills and problem solving skills of the children (Wood & Attfield, 2005). It can be said that the game presents an environment to the children in which the communication process is practiced densely. From the social point of view, children's speaking, getting feedback to their questions in this process, communicating with their friends and teachers have importance in mathematics learning. The children comprehend the mathematical concepts before they use because mathematical thinking develops before language. Therefore, the proper use of mathematical words can help children to acquire the mathematical concepts. Using a clear and explanatory language during acquisition of mathematical knowledge and skills process of children is crucial (Presser, Clements, Ginsburg, & Ertle, 2015). The game can increase the effectiveness of teaching by generating a collaborative learning environment and creating discussion platforms. It also helps the students having less knowledge to improve their understanding (Ke, 2008).
In game process, the communication set by...