The role of interactive educational applications in the development of mathematical problem solving skills in third graders

Abstract

This study is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of using interactive educational applications in the process of forming mathematical competencies among third grade students in general education institutions. The relevance of the topic is due to the transformation of the educational paradigm in the context of digitalization and the need for a scientifically based integration of technological solutions into the mathematical education of primary school students. The research implemented a mixed methodological approach combining quasi-experimental design, longitudinal observations and statistical analysis. The empirical base consisted of data from a pedagogical experiment involving 487 students from 22 educational institutions in various regions of the Russian Federation in the period 2022-2023. The results demonstrate a significant increase in mathematical performance in the experimental group (by 28,4%, p<0.001) compared with the control group with the systematic use of interactive educational applications. A positive correlation was found between the regularity of using applications and the quality of learning mathematical material (r=0.74), as well as between the interactivity of educational content and the level of cognitive involvement of students (r=0.68). It is established that the greatest pedagogical effect is achieved when integrating applications with gamification elements and adaptive feedback. The differentiated analysis revealed differences in the effectiveness of applications depending on the initial level of mathematical training of students and the socio-economic context of the educational institution. The theoretical significance of the research lies in expanding the understanding of the mechanisms of mathematical competence formation in the digital educational environment, and the practical value lies in the development of methodological recommendations for the integration of interactive applications into the educational process.