The study examined the effect of contextualized advisement and competition on student attitude towards mathematics using a computer-based simulation game. It found that students who received advisement in the game had more positive math attitudes. While competition did not affect overall math attitude, it did have a positive impact on reducing math anxiety when advisement was provided. However, the hypothesis that students in the simulation game would have better attitudes than the control group was not supported.

1. Study (2006): The effect of Contextualized Advisement and Competition on Attitude using Computer Based Simulation Game by Richard Van Eck Study was the same as the pervious description but this time Van Eck discussed student attitude as related to mathematics. In the literature review Van Eck cites that there is significant increase in attitude towards the subject matter with the use of simulations games and that in particular games help attitudes in mathematics.

2. Hypothesis The simulation game in which the content and the advisement are endogenous would improve attitudes of students in mathematics. Measures Attitude using MBS a 64 question Likert-scale that was composed of 12 math belief scales. Van Eck used the same group of students and apparently had also given a survey about their attitude towards math before and after the 2002 study. Didn’t use the data until he wrote this paper in 2006

3. Results Students who used advisement in the game had more positive attitudes toward math In relation to competition the use of the advisor did have a positive effect on math anxiety. The students in the non-competitive game would have a more positive attitude towards math than those in the competitive version was not supported. Students in the simulation game groups would have a better attitude than the control was not supported with significance.

4. Implications: When seeking help in a problem the assistance does not reduce anxiety if it is static or textual. It only appears to help if learners engage a persona that can provide information and social support. Attitude is more likely to change significantly with games as a result of multiple sessions and not just one as in this study.. Designers should incorporate blended advisement opportunities for learners including “pop up” or forced and self selected. Good simulation design should include tools that fit the context of the simulation. (ex. tape measure for a remodeling project) so not distract from the fantasy being created. CA does reduce anxiety in competitive situations but the anxiety in during competition is higher to start.

5. Simulation Game Sites for Mathematics http://coolmath.com http://shodor.com Both these sites had some many simple simulations and some games but not to the caliber or quality of the games generally play at home. I still am in search of better and more realistic simulations and games.

7. CoolMath (2006)