Life with maths: game-based learning on how to use mathematics in daily life

Mathematics is a crucial skill in daily life; however, many students find it uninteresting and difficult to apply outside of the classroom. This project, Life With Maths: Game-Based Learning on How to Use Mathematics in Daily Life, addresses the issue by creating an interactive visual novel that teaches students in primary school’s practical mathematical applications in an enjoyable way. The project uses a game-based learning (GBL) strategy that combines storytelling and interactive problem-solving to reinforce fundamental mathematical concepts including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The development follows the Game Development Life Cycle (GDLC) methodology, ensuring an organized process from concept to implementation. Unity was used as the major development platform, and game mechanics were created using the EGameFlow model, which emphasizes concentration, goal clarity, feedback, challenge, autonomy, knowledge improvement, and immersion to improve the learning experience. User evaluation was done through gameplay testing, in which participants judged the game's ability to make mathematics interesting and applicable to real-world settings. The results showed a high engagement rate, with an overall enjoyment score of 85.6% and a total mean score of 4.28, showing that game-based learning can greatly improve students' mathematical knowledge and a sense of excitement. However, feedback recommended potential enhancements, such as adding a dual-language feature to increase accessibility. This research emphasizes the potential of interactive learning tools in education, opening the path for future developments in game-based educational applications.