Dewey Decimal Classification Game for teaching Number Construction

Abstract

The Dewey Decimal Classification is a system used to organize documents by constructing numbers that represent subjects. These numbers are derived from a process that synthesizes and translates subjects, thereby facilitating both the physical arrangement of documents and their retrieval by users. From a teaching perspective, understanding the holistic, non-reductionist nature of this classification as an intellectual process is challenging, as comprehending its structure is not a purely mechanical task. This study presents a didactic proposal designed to assist students in understanding the classification process based on the Dewey Decimal Classification system. This project involves systematizing the construction rules within a didactic game. The game is structured around an interactive, analog script that explains the classification process, aiming to support learning about number construction. The board game was developed featuring designated squares, question cards, a die, two tokens, and is designed for two teams, with collaborative gameplay being essential. Two types of cards are included: one contains objective questions with predetermined numbers, and the other—symbolized by a snail—features theoretical questions about the classification process. Additionally, the game incorporates a puzzle in the form of a snail, with the winning team being the one that collects the most snail pieces throughout the game. It can be concluded that this educational tool effectively presents classification as both a process and a product, thereby facilitating a playful and continuous learning experience. The snail shape further reinforces this understanding.