Let's Play Catan? Exploring the development of probabilistic and strategic thinking in university students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21703/rexe.v24i56.3302Keywords:
Decision-making, Probability, Educational games, University students, Informal learningAbstract
Some studies report how the use of board games fosters the development of strategic skills and the construction of probabilistic knowledge. However, there has not yet been sufficient in-depth exploration of how these skills emerge and their potential for progression over time, particularly when implemented as part of intentional experiences aimed at educational innovation. In this context, the objective of the present study is to characterise the presence of strategic thinking and probabilistic thinking in university students engaged in decisionmaking processes while playing CATAN. To address this objective, six game sessions were conducted with six students from a Chilean university, all from non-mathematical disciplines and with no prior knowledge or experience of the game. These sessions included post-game interviews, which were analysed using Atlas.ti 25 software through a deductive content analysis approach. Based on specialised literature, the study establishes twelve analytical categories for probabilistic thinking and seven for strategic thinking. The study demonstrates the potential of using CATAN to promote the development of probabilistic and strategic thinking skills in non-formal education contexts.
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