GAME ON FOR MATH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF GAMIFIED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AND NUMERICAL PROFICIENCY

Abstract

The integration of gamified learning environments in mathematics education has emerged as a transformative pedagogical strategy to enhance learners’ numerical proficiency and engagement. This systematic review synthesizes research findings from the last five years, exploring the design, implementation, and effectiveness of gamification elements in math learning platforms across diverse educational contexts. The review draws on studies encompassing primary to tertiary education and evaluates both digital and physical game-based interventions. The findings reveal a consistent positive correlation between gamification and improved student outcomes in numerical fluency, conceptual understanding, and motivation. However, the magnitude of these impacts is mediated by factors such as age group, game design complexity, teacher involvement, and duration of exposure. Challenges, including technological disparities and over-reliance on extrinsic rewards, are also critically analyzed. This review provides educators, curriculum developers, and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of how gamification shapes math learning, highlighting best practices and offering a roadmap for future innovation and empirical inquiry.