Integrating Robotics into Mathematics Education: Applications, Teaching Strategies, and Attitude Assessment in Primary School Students

Abstract

This study addresses the implementation of robotics applications in the teaching of mathematics and its impact on the attitudes of students and teachers in elementary schools in Cúcuta, Colombia. Through a mixed methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, 120 teachers and 300 students participated. The quantitative results reveal that, after 12 weeks of using robotics applications, 75% of teachers considered robotics as an effective tool for teaching mathematics, compared to 40% prior to the intervention. Also, students experienced a significant improvement in their attitude towards mathematics, with a 50% to 20% reduction in insecurity about mathematical concepts and a 65% increase in motivation and enjoyment of learning. Qualitative analysis showed that robotics facilitates understanding of abstract concepts and fosters active and collaborative learning, although some teachers faced initial technical barriers. Despite these difficulties, teachers reported that robotics promotes key skills such as problem solving and teamwork, even in educational contexts with limited resources. Statistical analysis, based on t-tests and ANOVA, indicated that differences in perceptions and attitudes before and after implementation were statistically significant (p < 0.01), with no notable differences between school types. These results suggest that robotics is effective in a variety of educational contexts, regardless of school type. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that educational robotics can transform mathematics instruction, improving both academic outcomes and student motivation. The findings suggest that robotics should be integrated into the mathematics curriculum at the national level, accompanied by teacher training programs that address technical and pedagogical challenges. In addition, future studies are recommended to assess the long-term impact of robotics on students' academic and emotional performance, and how it can contribute to reducing educational gaps.