Libras, Games and Encounters: from the Dragon Ball in Z Experience to the Teaching of Ring Theory for Deaf Students
Inclusive Mathematics Education; Deafness; Brazilian Sign Language (Libras); Games; Ring Theory; Higher Education.
This dissertation investigates inclusive mathematics education practices in higher education, focusing on the training of deaf students in mathematics courses. The research is based on the author’s experience as a tutor at the Accessibility and Inclusion Center of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (NAI/UFRRJ), where he supported deaf students in abstract subjects such as Ring Theory. Through the analysis of official documents, such as the BNCC and BNCFP, and theoretical references on inclusion and cultural mediation, the study examines the challenges faced by deaf students and higher education institutions. The investigation highlights two main approaches: (i) the use of Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as strategies to make complex mathematical content accessible; and (ii) the creation and application of the inclusive game Dragon Ball in Z, initially designed for basic education and later adapted to the university context, as a tool for teaching integer operations and supporting deaf students’ learning processes. The findings indicate that effective inclusion requires more than technical adjustments, demanding creative pedagogical practices, the recognition of Libras as a legitimate language for mathematical knowledge production, and institutional actions to ensure students’ retention and academic success. The study concludes that playful and dialogical experiences, such as games and interactions mediated by Libras, can serve as powerful pathways toward the development of an inclusive and socially engaged mathematics education.