Promoting Effective Math Learning with Educational Robots

Abstract

Mathematics is a key subject for building competencies of the future. Managing students’ attitude towards learning mathematics is an important challenge in the Romanian educational system. Thus, it is essential to bring new teaching practices into the class in order to reduce math anxiety, increase motivation and successfully develop students’ cognitive skills. Due to the increasing importance of technology in our lives, using educational robotics may be an effective strategy to meet those demands. The aim of the present study was to design and test 5 educational robots-based scenarios for teaching math competencies, as logical, spatial and computational thinking, in primary school setting. More specifically, we describe the scenarios for robot-supported teaching, the competencies aimed to be developed and the process of testing their effectiveness in class. Main challenges and further recommendations in promoting math learning with educational robots for primary school children are also discussed.