Full-body Movement in Numerical Trainings: A Pilot Study with an Interactive Whiteboard

Integrating full-body movement into interactive whiteboard training significantly enhances children’s arithmetic proficiency and spatial-numerical estimation skills. By leveraging the cognitive benefits of embodied learning, this approach outperforms traditional tablet-based or non-numerical interventions. The synthesis of spatial tasks with physical activity creates a robust learning environment that strengthens numerical associations while simultaneously boosting student motivation. These findings suggest that the physical engagement required by interactive whiteboards serves as a critical catalyst for academic improvement, even when training sessions are relatively brief and lack extensive gamification.

The study, which involved a sample of 27 participants, demonstrates that this pedagogical strategy is a viable and efficient method for modern classroom settings. Experimental groups consistently outperformed control groups across various arithmetic tasks, including multi-digit addition and spatial-numerical estimation. The data indicates that the combination of physical movement and digital media provides a superior educational outcome compared to static digital interfaces, likely due to the synergistic effect of cognitive spatial mapping and increased physical involvement.

While the current research provides a strong foundation for the efficacy of embodied serious games, future efforts should expand upon these findings through larger sample sizes and longitudinal studies. Incorporating advanced game-based mechanics, such as structured reward systems, may further optimize engagement and long-term retention. Ultimately, the integration of theory-driven digital media and physical movement represents a promising evolution in educational technology, offering a scalable solution for improving mathematical performance in primary education.