MathVerse M6 Learning Model: Integrating Augmented Reality and Metaverse Technology to Enhance Mathematical Critical Thinking in Spatial Geometry

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the MathVerse M6 Learning Model which integrates a six-stage pedagogical framework with Augmented Reality-enhanced Metaverse technology to improve mathematical critical thinking skills in ninth-grade students focusing on spatial geometry. Utilizing the Plomp educational development design encompassing preliminary research and prototype development and effectiveness testing the research employed expert validation rubrics and Facione’s critical thinking indicators and paired-sample t-tests to measure outcomes. The findings revealed that while initial assessments placed 73.2 percent of students in low categories the implementation of the MathVerse M6 prototype validated at 4.5 led to significant improvements demonstrated by a statistically significant mean score increase of 0.74 (p < 0.001) and a very large effect size of 2.33, and a shift where 78.9 percent of students reached high to very high proficiency levels. The novelty of this study lies in the introduction of the MathVerse M6 Model as a structured integration of immersive technology and reflective inquiry providing critical empirical evidence on how Metaverse-based tools can systematically bridge the gap between concrete visualization and abstract mathematical critical thinking.