Learning probability through the game “The Wall”

Abstract

This article reports on field research that investigated the effectiveness of using the game “The Wall” in teaching probability. To carry out this analysis, 2nd year high school students studied various mathematical topics such as Pascal's triangle, Newton's binomial and the binomial method, through watching videos, using games and investigations carried out in the Plinko Probability simulator. At the end, each participant answered a questionnaire to evaluate their experience in relation to the methodologies used. Of the 30 students who participated in the task, 18 responded to the survey. The data collected indicates that the majority of students considered that the ideas adopted contributed to awakening interest in the topics covered, in addition to helping in the understanding and construction of mathematical concepts. These results suggest that the use of games in Mathematics classes is an effective strategy, as it motivates students by making Mathematics more dynamic and fun.