Learning Pattern Recognition Skills From Games: Design of an Online Pattern Recognition Educational Mobile Game Integrating Algebraic Reasoning Scaffolding.

This article focuses on the development and evaluation of "Guess My Rule," a mobile educational game designed to enhance pattern recognition skills through algebraic reasoning scaffolding within computational thinking learning. A quasi-experimental study with 60 adult participants compared a control group (without scaffolding) and an experimental group (with algebraic reasoning scaffolding) on game achievement, flow, anxiety, and motivation. Results indicated no significant difference in game achievement, flow, anxiety, or motivation between groups, though the scaffolding group showed a positive correlation between game achievement and psychological factors, suggesting scaffolding may support lower-achieving learners and enhance engagement. The study highlights the potential of scaffolded game-based learning for computational thinking and suggests further research on diverse scaffolding types and standardized pattern recognition assessments.