Characteristics and Pedagogical Possibilities of Manipulative Aids and Games in Mathematics Teaching

Abstract

This article is the result of the research by Lemes (2022) and it proposes to discuss theoretical constructs related to the possibilities attributed to the use of Manipulative Materials and Games in the teaching of Mathematics. Thus, we seek to contrast the characteristics that specify and determine elements favorable to the pedagogical practice with these resources, highlighting the most recent research on the subject. The use of Manipulative Aids is recognized as an alternative that contributes to the understanding, formalization, and abstraction of mathematical concepts, and it promotes teaching situations in which learning is triggered by students’ actions. In pedagogical practices based on the use of Games, in addition to the ludic and socio-emotional potential, their contributions to the production of senses and meanings for the students' mathematical learning are underlined. However, for all the pedagogical potential that supports the use of Manipulative Aids and Games to be effectively reflected in the students' learning of Mathematics, planning, intentionality, and the teacher's performance are essential in order to promote productive interventions, immediate feedback, and adequate communication throughout the process.

Manipulative Aids; Games; Mathematics Education