Case Study: How Number Hive transformed the Mathematics Culture at one school

Recently, I received an invitation that both intrigued and challenged me. At a small rural school struggling with mathematics anxiety, students were disengaged and afraid of the subject. Teachers felt helpless, as traditional methods weren’t enough to overcome this barrier. Little did I know that this would become a case study for the power on Number Hive to lift mathematics culture in a school.

After introducing Number Hive, a game designed to make learning mathematics fun, the school became a case study in immediate transformation. Students who once avoided math were now strategizing, competing, and enjoying the subject. The key to this shift? Turning math into a game that builds number sense and mathematical fluency while fostering confidence.

Initial Challenges: Overcoming Maths Anxiety

Upon arriving at the school, the atmosphere of math anxiety was immediately noticeable. The majority of students identified as “not a math person” or simply disliked the subject. This negative attitude was affecting their learning and performance in the classroom. A survey conducted before the intervention revealed that over 43% of students either disliked or hated maths, and only 19.5% felt confident in their abilities. The situation was dire, and a new approach was clearly needed.

The Power of Game-Based Learning: Introducing Number Hive

The turning point came when students and teachers were introduced to Number Hive, a game-based learning platform that promotes flexible fluency in mathematical operations through engaging gameplay. Unlike traditional exercises, Number Hive makes math interactive, where students naturally engage in mathematical thinking without realising it.

Throughout the day, students played several rounds of Number Hive, gradually becoming more immersed in the game. They began strategising, calculating, and competing, all while enjoying themselves. It wasn’t long before the shift in attitude was apparent. Laughter replaced anxiety, and a new sense of excitement filled the room. Students who previously feared math were now confidently solving problems and having fun doing it.

Immediate Impact: A Dramatic Shift in Student Engagement

At the end of the day, another survey was conducted to assess the impact of the intervention. The results were remarkable:

• 88.5% of students reported enjoying math when using Number Hive.
• 91% stated they would be more willing to do homework if it involved playing Number Hive.

The game had not only helped students overcome their fear of math but also rekindled their interest in learning. This transformation proved that with the right tools, even the most math-averse students can develop confidence and enthusiasm for the subject.

Why Number Hive Works: Engaging, Flexible, and Fun

What made Number Hive so effective? Its combination of game-based learning and strategic problem-solving helps students build fluency in core mathematical concepts while staying engaged. Key factors that contributed to its success included:

1. Engagement through Play:
   The game’s structure encourages students to strategise, make decisions, and reflect on outcomes, all while reinforcing mathematical concepts.
2. Adaptable to Different Learning Levels:
   Number Hive is flexible enough to accommodate different skill levels, allowing both struggling and advanced students to benefit from the platform.
3. Fostering a Growth Mindset:
   By focusing on gameplay rather than rote learning, students are able to approach mistakes as opportunities for growth, helping to build resilience and a positive attitude toward math.
4. Collaborative and Competitive Learning:
   Students could challenge their peers or practice independently against AI, making learning both social and self-driven.

Long-Term Benefits for Schools

For teachers and educators, the success of Number Hive in this case study highlights the platform’s potential to create lasting change in a school’s math culture. Not only did students become more willing to engage with the subject, but they also showed signs of sustained interest in practising maths beyond the classroom. With 91% of students saying they’d do homework if it involved Number Hive, the platform offers a powerful way to extend learning and improve fluency.

Additionally, the game supports global curriculum standards, making it easy for teachers to integrate into their lesson plans without additional preparation. Teachers could also track student usage to understand the amount of practice a child is undertaking at home or in class.

Conclusion: A Game Changer for Math Engagement

The transformation witnessed in this case study demonstrates the profound impact that Number Hive can have on student attitudes toward mathematics. By turning learning into an enjoyable and interactive experience, the platform dissolved the barriers of fear and anxiety that had previously held students back.

For any school struggling with math engagement or anxiety, Number Hive offers a proven solution that not only boosts mathematical fluency but also makes learning enjoyable. It’s more than just a tool for teaching math —it’s a way to inspire confidence, resilience, and a love of learning in students who need it most.

If your school is facing similar challenges with maths engagement, consider giving Number Hive a try. You may just see a transformation in your students’ attitudes and performance, just like this rural school did.