The Game & Train, Track & Teach principle has its first result in the shape of a web based mathematical program: Mathsgarden.com. In the Maths Garden children can improve their skills in the basic mathematical domains (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and fractions).
The Maths Garden offers children a fun and motivating web environment in which they can practice and master math. They can also see their own progress. The Maths Garden is a measuring instrument which researchers can use to accurately study mathematical development. It provides teachers with detailed feedback about the individual mathematical progress of their pupils. It is possible to create a demonstration account on the Maths Garden website. Click here to sign up now.
Short tour…
The Maths Garden consists of a garden that gives an overview of the progress of the child, illustrated by growing plants. From this garden, tests can be started. After finishing the test, the children receive coins as a reward. These coins can be exchanged in the trophy case for virtual rewards. On the right, you will see respectively the garden, an open test (the one with the DJ), the trophy case and a multiple choice test (the one with the stars).
Several quotes from teachers from the 5th Montessori School in Amsterdam, who are currently working with the Maths Garden:
- “The children are working at their own level and the program is easy to use.”
- “Having their own password is something the children find very interesting. They feel very responsible for their garden. They like seeing their plants grow as they solve the problems.”
- “It’s very easy to see which calculations a child finds simple or difficult and to see the kind of mistakes they make.”
- “The individual progress of a child (per mathematical domain) is accurately monitored, as well as the progress of the group.”
More information can be found on the website of the Maths Garden.
