Chapter 2
REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE
Increasingly common in schools, including Juan Pamplona National
High School. Educational games provide students with opportunities to learn
mathematical concepts in a fun and meaningful way, allowing them to
actively participate in the learning process. Understanding students’
experiences in using these educational games is essential in determining
their effectiveness and identifying the challenges encountered during their
use. Hence, this study aims to explore the experiences of students in using
online and offline educational games in learning Mathematics at Juan
Pamplona National High School.
Moreover, studies show that the use of online game-based learning in
mathematics helps improve students’ engagement and understanding by
providing interactive learning experiences suited to the needs of Generation
Z students (Hidayat et al., 2024).
In addition, online math games have been found to influence students’
mathematics performance and attitudes toward learning, although studies
report mixed results, indicating the need for further investigation on their
effectiveness (Luo et al., 2022).
Furthermore, findings from a quantitative experimental study revealed that
students taught through game-based learning demonstrated significantly
higher mathematics achievement than those under traditional teaching
methods, highlighting the effectiveness of game-based learning as an
instructional strategy (Cayang & Ursabia, 2024).
Research also indicates that game-based learning significantly improves
students’ academic achievement in mathematics, with learners exposed to
game-based activities showing higher post-test scores and greater
confidence compared to those taught using traditional methods (Lagmay et
al., 2024).
More likely studied by Luo, Hickman, and Muljana (2022), the impact of skill-
based online math games on students’ mathematics performance and
attitudes showed mixed results, indicating that while digital math games
have potential as engaging learning tools, their effectiveness varies and
requires.
In addition, skill-based online math games have shown mixed effects on
students’ mathematics performance and attitudes, suggesting that while
these digital games can be engaging, their effectiveness varies and requires
further investigation. Moreover, a study by Knight (2023) highlighted that
game-based learning approaches can enhance mathematics teaching by
increasing learning motivation and engagement, showing potential to gamify
traditional learning tools for better student appreciation and participation.
study conducted by Fadda, Pellegrini, Vivanet, and Zandonella Callegher
(2022) showed that digital games significantly enhance student motivation in
mathematics compared to conventional teaching practices, indicating that
digital games can be effective tools for promoting engagement in math
learning.
Similarly, the use of digital educational games in mathematics was found to
improve students’ performance, with both students and teachers expressing
positive perceptions about the learning experience (Delgado & Mendes,
2023). This means that failure to adopt game-based learning strategies in
mathematics instruction may limit student engagement, hinder skill
development, and reduce overall learning motivation. Conversely, effectively
integrating digital and offline educational games can enhance academic
performance, foster positive attitudes toward learning, and provide teachers
with innovative instructional tools.
Across the reviewed literature, the integration of online and offline
educational games consistently emerged as a critical factor in enhancing
student engagement, motivation, and performance in mathematics. Studies
highlighted that these games provide interactive and meaningful learning
experiences, promote problem-solving skills, and foster positive attitudes
toward the subject. Conversely, limited use of game-based learning was
associated with lower student participation, reduced interest, and
inconsistent learning outcomes. Overall, the literature suggests that the
strategic implementation of digital and offline educational games contributes
not only to immediate improvements in academic performance but also to
the long-term development of students’ mathematical understanding,
confidence, and appreciation for learning.