Developing Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) through DOTA Online Game From the Lens of Students

This research was conducted to establish the relationship between the Match-Making Rank (MMR) of the DOTA to students’ Mathematics grade. It also probed into the influence of playing DOTA on students’ Mathematics academic performance in terms of class participation, hours spent in studying and their absences. This study, anchored on Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, is a mixed quantitative and qualitative research conducted during the school year 2017-2018 in one National High School on Mandaue City Division, Cebu, Philippines. Correlational research design was utilized in determining the link between MMR of DOTA players and their Mathematics grade, and basic qualitative research using Colaizzi’s method of analysis was used in the analysis the influence of playing DOTA on students’ academic mathematics performance, from the lens of the students. Results revealed that the MMR of the DOTA Players has slight but significant relationship to their Mathematics grade. The interview data yields the following themes: a) stress reliever; b) fun and entertainment; and c) serves as a pastime. The outcome of the study also showed that playing DOTA has a significant effect on students’ academic performance in mathematics particularly in class participation and to the number of hours spent in studying. The researchers recommended to design a DOTA inspired Mathematics Enrichment Learning Material aimed to improve students’ mathematics academic performance.

Keywords: DOTA Players, Mathematics academic performance, phenomenology, Collaizi’s method of

data analysis