By Saheed Ibrahim
A Nigerian female mathematician, Elisha Dorcas Barde, has introduced an innovative approach to teaching mathematics through gamification.
Barde, who invented the Wandy Maths Board Game, said it would revolutionise the teaching of mathematics and encourage interest in the subjects among learners.
Elisha Dorcas
According to her, there has been a persistent disinterest and fear of mathematics among students, which significantly hampers their performance.
“Over 50% of the students are not interested in mathematics or claim not to know Maths,” Barde noted, emphasizing the need to address the fear associated with the subject.
To combat this issue, BSc and MSc in Mathematics holder advocated for changing the general perception of mathematics.
“If we can debunk the myth about the subject, it will help improve its reception among students hence their performance,” she stated.
She said her passion for numbers and the influence of her father, who used simple stories to connect mathematics to everyday realities, inspired her to develop engaging and relatable methods to teach the subject.
“The Wandy Maths Board game explores the power of play in learning maths. Research shows we learn and retain more when we play. So we can engage in that concept to promote mathematical learning.
“There are multiple factors that contribute to the non-performance of students in the subject. This factor includes the teaching model, fear of the subject, being absent from class etc.
“We have used this specific style over time and it is not giving us the design results, I think it is time we introduced something new.
“Maths is not abstract, it can be more fun when students can see and engage with it. Making maths hands-on and visible helps increase students’ interest,” she explained.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship alumnus believes that making mathematics hands-on and visible can increase students’ interest and improve learning outcomes.
Elisha said the Wandy Game is designed to be inclusive and accessible, giving opportunities for students in high and low-income communities to learn mathematics in a fun environment.
Speaking on impact, the MarBen Foundation Founder told The Hope that the game has recorded some success stories after being piloted across various educational levels, including primary, secondary, and university students, as well as parents.
“Schools are opening up to adopt the game in their schools. One player said, I don’t like maths but I enjoyed the game. I also learnt a lot just from playing it.
The STEAM expert added that the innovative approach is changing students’ attitudes towards mathematics, making the subject seem less boring and difficult.
Elisha Dorcas holds an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan and a BSc in Mathematics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow of 2022, showcasing her dedication to leadership and innovation in the field of education. She is passionate about simplifying mathematical concepts, harnessing the power of storytelling and gaming to make learning more accessible and enjoyable for students.
