Math Chat
Mona, of Mona Math, reveals the mysteries of how to teach elementary math even if you aren't a math person. Discover how you can develop a buzzing student led math classroom. We cover all things math identity, classroom culture, and student centered instructional practices to help you empower students to love and understanding math deeply.
Math Chat
202: The Problem With Gamifying Math (And What Actually Helps Students Learn)
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Right now, gamified math platforms are everywhere—and yes, they can feel like a lifesaver. Students are engaged, they’re excited, and for a moment, it feels like learning is happening seamlessly through technology in math classrooms. However, this episode invites you to pause and consider what these tools are actually teaching students about math.
At first glance, math games seem to promote engagement. But in reality, many students are focused on speed, rewards, and getting back to the game—not on understanding the math. As a result, math learning can quickly become about getting the right answer fast, rather than making sense of the problem.
🎧 Ready to Rethink Math in Your Classroom?
If this episode challenged your thinking about gamified math, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
- 🎧 Listen to the full episode of Math Chat
- ⭐ Subscribe and leave a review to support the podcast
- 📥 Grab the Word Problem Workshop book or explore the teacher training at MonaMath.com/wpw-teacher-training
As you reflect, ask yourself:
Where in your math block are students truly thinking… and where are they just answering?