PROCEEDINGS OF THE 23RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2020
Boston, Massachusetts
Get that basket! Deciphering student strategies in the linear algebra game vector unknown
Page: 398
We present results of a grounded analysis of individual interviews in which students play Vector Unknown - a video game designed to support students who are taking their first semester of linear algebra. We categorized strategies students employed while playing the game. These strategies range from less-anticipatory button-pushing to more sophisticated strategies based on approximating solutions and choosing vectors based on their direction. We also found that students focus on numeric and geometric aspects of the game interface, which provides additional insight into their strategies. These results have informed revisions to the game and also inform our team’s plans for incorporating the game into classroom instruction.