Close enCounter: Game-based Learning for middle school students who struggle with learning mathematics.

Games are the best opportunity we have to engage our kids in real learning. They can be materials a teacher uses to enable students to access the curriculum with learning experiences driven by play.

Close enCounter incorporates digital games as an entry into algebra for post-secondary level students who may have had limited success in their earlier mathematics education. It focuses on developing students’ understanding of the “why” as well as the “how” of algebra to enhance their previous experiences. It encourages improved achievement through:

• Problem-solving through higher-order thinking on non-routine problems
• Designed so that students use prior knowledge to solve problems and make relationships across topics and objectives more seamless
• Challenging but accessible tasks enabling all students to engage in solving problems regardless of their past experience