Escape the Semester: Game-Based Pedagogy in a Math Course for Non-Science Majors

Abstract

This article presents an experience in teaching mathematical thinking through games in a math course for non-science majors. The course described here has run twice on the campus of Sam Houston State University and is a combination of escape room pedagogy and game-based pedagogy. From these courses, I note an increased engagement of students with course material, more positive attitudes about the course, and stronger learning.

Keywords:

• Escape room pedagogy
• game-based pedagogy
• foundations course

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people were involved in the planning and implementation of this course. The games were purchased through funding provided by the Sam Houston State University STEM Center Mini-grant, which also provided funds for a teaching assistant in Fall 2018. Zachary Doleshal introduced me to the RTTP materials, and I have had many conversations with him about re-orienting that idea to fit the mathematics classroom. Matt Rathbun was the first mathematician I spoke to about my idea to make a game-based class; he happened to be doing a game-based class in a different context and provided helpful hints and suggestions. Beth Cory showed me some items she uses in her classroom and provided encouragement. Sibyl Bucheli and Michelle Hoogterp were characters in the game in Fall 2018, and the game could not have happened without their willingness to show up and act suspicious. Stephanie Brown was a character in Fall 2019 and excelled as a master of disguise. Adriana Salerno has been teaching a cryptography class for years in which students have to crack codes to find her for her final; she was my inspiration for the final activity. In addition, I would like to thank the reviewers for thoughtful feedback that produced a much clearer manuscript.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1 Because not all students use Twitter, any work that requires its use is done in groups large enough to ensure that at least one student can access the information. When clues are left via Twitter, they are either supplementary or are referenced elsewhere as well.

Additional information

Funding

The SHSU STEM Center is funded by NSF Grant No. 1725674.

Notes on contributors

B. Doleshal

Brandy Doleshal is a faculty member at Sam Houston State University. She has loved puzzles and games since she was a child, which has contributed to her ability to persist in mathematical research. She hopes to nourish a love of puzzles in her students to similarly connect them to mathematical thinking. On the weekends, you'll likely find her with a crossword puzzle in hand; she looks forward to the day when she can finish a Saturday puzzle.