Informing the design of a multisensory learning environment for elementary mathematics learning

Abstract It is well known that primary school children may face difficulties in acquiring mathematical competence, possibly because teaching generally based on formal lessons with little opportunity to exploit more multisensory-based activities within the classroom. To overcome such difficulties, we report here exemplary design of a novel multisensory learning environment for concepts meaningful inputs from elementary teachers. First, developed and administered questionnaire 101 teachers asking them rate their experience difficulty specific arithmetical geometrical encountered by children. Additionally, investigated feasibility use information teach concepts. Results show challenging differ depending level, thus providing guidance improve strategies new emerging technologies accordingly. Second, obtained practical workshops involving Altogether, these findings are used inform multimodal technological applications, take advantage not only vision but also other sensory modalities. In present work, describe detail one results ideas workshops: Space Shapes game, which exploits visual haptic/proprioceptive support mental rotation, 2D–3D transformation percentages. Corroborating research evidence neuroscience pedagogy, our work presents functional approach develop user interfaces education