Effectiveness of Game-Based Pedagogical Approaches on Mathematics Achievement among Middle Stage Learners

Abstract

Mathematics, often hailed as the language of logic and reason, holds a central place in the educational landscape. It is indispensable not only for developing cognitive abilities such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving but also for nurturing quantitative literacy—skills that are critical for success in the 21st-century knowledge economy. However, despite its recognized significance, mathematics continues to evoke fear, anxiety, and disinterest in a substantial proportion of school-going children, particularly during the middle stage of education. The middle stage—typically comprising students in Grades 6 to 8—marks a crucial transition in the academic journey where abstract reasoning begins to develop, and foundational competencies in mathematics are expected to solidify.