KOGNITÍV FEJLESZTŐ JÁTÉKOK A MATEMATIKAOKTATÁSBAN (A DIENES-JELENSÉG)
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT GAMES IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (THE DIENES PHENOMENON)

Summary/Abstract: The study presents P. Dienes Zoltán's (1916–2014) mathematics education theory and cognitive development games. Dienes' goal was to transform mathematics into an experience-based, captivating activity in which the primary source of learning is children's own experience within a properly designed "mathematical environment." Dienes' theory is built on four basic principles: dynamic principle (preliminary, structured and practice games), constructivity principle (construction precedes analysis), mathematical variability principle (varied experiences), and perceptual variability principle (the same concept in multiple forms). He describes six stages of mathematics learning: free play, rule games, recognition of common structure, representation, symbolization, and formalisation. The study presents famous Dienes games such as Multi-base Arithmetic Blocks (MAB) and Attribute Blocks (Logiblocks), as well as newer developments (Who Gets to the Castle?, Forest Game, Abraka Dabra). These are tools for structured learning experiences that help understand concrete mathematical concepts (exponentiation, logical operations). The internal source of motivation is the joy of discovering structures, not external rewards. The authors also present the creation of "Dienes Mathematical Laboratories" initiated by the University of Pécs, which aims to preserve Dienes' legacy and develop creative mathematical thinking.

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