Heuristic Discovery in Gamified Numerical Simulations and Its Relation to Mathematics Students’ Algorithmic Thinking in North Central Nigerian Colleges of Education

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of heuristic discovery embedded within 
gamified numerical simulations on the algorithmic thinking of mathematics 
students in Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria. The study employed 
a quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test non-equivalent control group design. A 
total of 360 NCE II mathematics students were selected through multistage 
sampling, with 180 assigned to the experimental group and 180 to the control 
group. The experimental group was exposed to gamified numerical simulations 
specifically designed to foster heuristic discovery, whereas the control group 
received conventional classroom instruction. Data were collected using the 
Algorithmic Thinking Test and the Heuristic Engagement Scale. Descriptive 
statistics, specifically mean and standard deviation, were used to answer the 
research questions, while independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test, and 
Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) were employed to test the hypotheses at the 
0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that students exposed to the 
gamified numerical simulation approach obtained markedly higher algorithmic 
thinking scores (M = 68.45, SD = 8.12) than their counterparts taught using 
conventional methods (M = 54.30, SD = 7.95), with the difference being 
statistically significant, t(358) = 12.84, p < .05. Similarly, heuristic-based skills 
improved significantly from pre-test (M = 52.10) to post-test (M = 67.65), t(179) 
= 11.27, p < .05. Furthermore, the ANCOVA results indicated a significant 
moderating effect of prior mathematical ability on students’ outcomes, F(2, 354) 
= 4.75, p = .009. The study concluded that heuristic discovery embedded in 
gamified numerical simulations significantly enhances algorithmic thinking, 
although its effectiveness varies across ability levels. It therefore recommends 
the integration of gamified numerical simulations into mathematics instruction 
in Colleges of Education.