Use of board games in higher education literature review

Abstract

There is a long standing history of mathematical games and puzzles being used to support mathematical thinking and concepts. The Maths Arcade is an initiative designed to provide a unique environment for students to play games in order to communicate with fellow students whilst developing a range of skills. The purpose of this study was to determine how these skills are developed and how they link to different games, we have found the evidence for this through reviewing a variety of sources focussing on game-play. We found that the playing of board games is fundamentally linked to the development of mathematical thinking and skills. These are developed in many ways including trial and improvement and discussion.