Supplementary file 1_Application of game-based learning of mathematics in primary school grade one——taking a primary school in Beijing as an example.docx

In primary school mathematics teaching, game-based learning can assist teachers in enhancing classroom efficiency, diversifying classroom activities, and fostering more harmonious teacher-student interactions. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the current status of game-based learning implementation in first-grade primary school mathematics and identify challenges encountered during its application. To achieve this objective, the study employed a qualitative research approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with ten first-grade students and six experienced first-grade mathematics teachers. Additionally, systematic classroom observations were carried out in two first-grade classes, with eight observations per class, totaling 16 observations. The findings revealed several issues regarding teachers’ utilization of game-based learning in first-grade mathematics classrooms. Based on these findings, the study proposed targeted strategies to address the identified challenges, focusing on optimizing the use of game-based learning across different teaching phases and establishing effective evaluation frameworks for game-based learning.