It's becoming increasingly important for schools to know they are spending their money wisely, to have the biggest impact on pupil outcomes, on robust education technology that works.
At Sumdog, we believe in regularly ensuring the platform works for our pupils and teachers and in gathering feedback on how we can make things even better to meet new needs. That's why we have launched a new study in partnership with ImpactEd to analyse Sumdog's impact on pupil attainment and attitudes towards maths.
Our Efficacy Study interim report sheds light on the early implementation and Sumdog's impact on pupils' mathematical engagement. The interim report, part of a broader evaluation for the 2024-25 academic year, focuses on a selection of 14 schools in England participating in the evaluation. Researchers from ImpactEd conducted interviews and focus groups with teachers from these schools to gather qualitative insights into the platform's usage and its initial influence on pupils.
The methodology involved semi-structured interviews with six teachers from five different schools. This approach allowed teachers to discuss their experiences freely, while the researchers probed specific themes related to Sumdog's implementation. The feedback collected was then analysed using a thematic approach to identify common trends and areas of interest.
Teachers have found diverse ways to integrate Sumdog into their educational practices. Primarily, they use it as a supplementary tool to reinforce classroom learning, as it allows pupils to practise maths concepts they have already encountered in class, both at school and at home. According to the teachers taking part in the study, the interactive nature of Sumdog has proven especially effective in engaging pupils who are generally less interested in conventional maths lessons.
"Previously maths homework was done by maybe one child or two children…Whereas now what I'm seeing is that there's the engagement from the children and we're getting about 50% to 60% of the children actually doing the homework."
Teacher 5, School D
Moreover, Sumdog has become a valuable resource for identifying learning gaps. Teachers can efficiently assess where pupils might struggle and tailor their teaching strategies accordingly. This diagnostic capability is beneficial, particularly in larger schools where individual assessment can be challenging. By providing real-time data on pupil performance, Sumdog equips educators with the information needed to support each child's unique learning journey.
The Efficacy Study interim report highlights significant benefits for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), lower-attaining pupils, and those with lower self-esteem. Several teachers mentioned that children from these groups have shown marked improvement in engagement and confidence when using Sumdog. The platform's ability to adjust the difficulty of questions to match each pupil's capability ensures that all pupils can participate alongside their peers without feeling left behind.
"One of the children who I'm thinking of particularly…is a year 4 girl who's probably operating at year one level. So we're having to significantly differentiate the work which she's doing within her sort of group…even then it feels to her that she just doesn't understand, doesn't get it. But when we can then put work in front of her with Sumdog to let her know that yes, she can succeed, her face lights up because she knows she can do it at that point."
Teacher 4, School C
Teachers noted that the gamified nature of Sumdog helps reduce the pressure often associated with traditional learning environments. Pupils who typically struggle with maths are more willing to engage with the subject when it is presented as a fun game. This approach not only boosts their confidence but also encourages a positive attitude towards learning.
Educators have praised Sumdog for its ease of use and alignment with the National Curriculum and White Rose Maths, which simplifies integrating it into regular teaching practices. The platform is user-friendly for both teachers and pupils, requiring minimal ongoing support after initial setup. This ease of access allows teachers to focus more on teaching and less on technical issues.
However, some participants raised concerns about pupils prioritising speed over accuracy. The competitive nature of the games sometimes leads pupils to focus on quick responses rather than thoughtful problem-solving. Teachers are addressing this by encouraging pupils to understand the importance of accuracy, which enhances their overall learning experience. Sumdog is also taking steps to address these concerns by offering features that promote deliberate practice over hasty guessing.
In conclusion, the interim report reveals early positive impacts on pupil engagement, enjoyment, and confidence in maths. We're excited to conduct further evaluation and determine more long-term effects when the Efficacy Study Final Report is released in September.