International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1

Game Design, Problem Solving and Probabilistic Thinking: an Exploratory Study

Uwe Schürmann, Georg Bruckmaier, Alexander Repenning

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland

49th Annual Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME 2026Helsinki27 July 2026 - 1 August 2026pp. 1315–1322ISSN 2790-36482026Scopus conference code 336559
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Abstract

This exploratory study investigates learning processes related to problem solving and probabilistic thinking through the programming of computer games with random elements – based on Seymour Papert’s constructionist approach. The data consist of video recordings of programming phases and video-stimulated recall interviews with four student pairs (Year 6) from two Swiss primary schools. The results show cyclical design processes reflecting key components of computational thinking. Probabilistic preconceptions emerge and partly develop during the game design process.

Keywords

Computational ThinkingGame DesignProblem SolvingProbabilistic Thinking

Recommended citation

Schürmann, U., Bruckmaier, G., & Repenning, A. (2026). Game Design, Problem Solving and Probabilistic Thinking: an Exploratory Study. In Krzywacki H., Hähkiöniemi M., Haataja E., Hannula M.S., Hästö P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Volume 1 (pp. 1315–1322). Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME). ISSN 2790-3648.
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