Proyecto para el fortalecimiento del pensamiento matemático en estudiantes del grado quinto del colegio Agustiniano de Floridablanca mediante el enfoque del aprendizaje basado en juegos

Abstract

This project aims to strengthen Numerical Thinking among fifth-grade students at Colegio Agustiniano Floridablanca through the implementation of learning strategies based on Game-Based Learning (GBL) and the use of educational technology resources. The proposal emerged in response to the difficulties identified among students regarding mental calculation, understanding of basic mathematical operations, estimation of quantities, and the solution of problem situations that require mathematical reasoning. These challenges affect not only academic performance but also students’ motivation, participation, and confidence in learning mathematics. In response to this issue, a pedagogical proposal has been designed around playful, interactive, and contextualized activities that foster the development of skills associated with Numerical Thinking through meaningful and dynamic learning experiences. The proposal integrates a virtual learning environment featuring digital mental calculation challenges, basic operations, and hands-on activities aimed at promoting logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. These strategies seek to enhance students’ understanding of numbers and operations beyond the mechanical repetition of algorithms by encouraging analytical thinking, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility. The project is theoretically grounded in the guidelines established by the Colombian Ministry of National Education regarding Numerical Thinking, as well as in the contributions of the authors discussed in the theoretical framework who have conducted research on Game-Based Learning. Likewise, it is supported by pedagogical approaches that recognize students as active participants in the construction of knowledge and view play as an effective instructional strategy for promoting motivation, participation, and the development of cognitive skills. The research follows an applied approach using a qualitative methodology focused on the design and implementation of a contextualized educational intervention. The expected outcome is that the intervention will contribute to strengthening students’ Numerical Thinking skills, particularly in mental calculation and mathematical problem-solving, while fostering more meaningful, engaging, and motivating learning processes for elementary school students.