Mathlien Land: A Serious Game to Practice 7th and 8th Grade Mathematics

Mathlien Land functions as a specialized educational tool designed to bridge the gap in digital curriculum support for seventh and eighth-grade mathematics. By utilizing six modular minigames, the platform targets students aged 12 to 14, focusing on core academic concepts such as proportionality, fractions, and functions. The primary objective is to leverage familiar gaming mechanics to increase student engagement while reinforcing essential mathematical vocabulary and procedural knowledge.

Initial evaluations involving 57 participants demonstrate that the software achieves high levels of usability and user acceptance. Students respond positively to the game’s design, finding the interactive elements both intuitive and engaging. However, the current iteration faces notable limitations, specifically regarding language accessibility for non-native English speakers and a lack of long-term retention of mathematical concepts. While the game successfully facilitates immediate interaction, current data suggests that the existing mechanics prioritize vocabulary recall over deeper problem-solving skills.

Future development efforts will prioritize expanding the game’s reach through comprehensive language localization and the integration of sophisticated learning analytics. Researchers intend to transition from simple vocabulary-based tasks to more complex procedural mechanics that challenge students' analytical capabilities. By implementing formal pre-post study methodologies, subsequent iterations aim to provide measurable evidence of educational efficacy. These planned enhancements are intended to transform the platform into a more robust pedagogical resource capable of supporting diverse student populations and fostering sustained academic growth in secondary mathematics.