Associate Professor Northern Arizona University phoenix, Arizona, United States
Program Abstract: Linear algebra is a vital transition course for students in the STEM disciplines because of its unifying power within mathematics and its applicability to areas outside of mathematics. This proposal presents research and curriculum design in Inquiry-Oriented Linear Algebra (IOLA) and strategies in Game-Based Learning (GBL) to explore the unification of curriculum design and game design theories and practices. The resulting framework, IOLA-G, is designed to mimic the problem-centered approach of the existing IOLA curriculum. We investigated students’ mathematical activity and learning with IOLA-G to inform further refinement of the game design. Building on prior research efforts in IOLA and GBL, we created a digital game that allows students to virtually experience a version of the IOLA curriculum and compared different game formats and mechanics to determine which are most conducive to inquiry-oriented learning. Our observations have the potential to be transferable to other areas in STEM education.
