The role of math games based on participation in learning and retention of third grade elementary students

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of education using mathematical games on learning and retention of third grade elementary students. This research in terms of purpose was conducted as an applied research. Also in terms of implementation and data collection method, the quasi-experimental method and pre-test-post-test design with a control group was used. The statistical population of the present study included all 6,500 female third grade elementary school students in District 1 of Mashhad- Iran. The sampling method in this study was in convenience form that included 60 students and were selected through convenience sampling method, thus two classes with 30 female students for each classroom were selected among the elementary girls' schools in District 1 of Mashhad- Iran. In order to collect data, two researcher-made tests of learning and retention were used, the validity of which was confirmed by experts and its reliability was calculated based on Cronbach's alpha equal to 0.81 and 0.83, respectively. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used in order to test the hypotheses inferential analysis. The results of data analysis showed that math games are effective on students math both learning and retention (P <0.01). Therefore, it can be concluded that education using math games is effective and has increased students' learning and retention.