Enhancing Early Mathematical Skills Through Math Games

Year 2024, Volume: 21 Issue: 2, 555 - 572, 16.08.2024

Kübra Çelikdemir , İlknur Öztürk , Tülay Altındağ , İhsan Seyit Ertem

https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1414288

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of math games on the development of preschoolers’ mathematical skills. Fifty-four (54) children between 60-72 months of age participated in the research – 26 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group. A quasi-experimental model with a pre-test post-test control group design was employed in the study. Children in the experimental group designed their own math games with the guidance and support of their parents. Subsequently, they introduced these games to their classmates and played them together in their classrooms. Data for the research were collected through the Revised Early Numeracy Test and focus group interviews. The findings indicate that the intervention significantly improved the children’s mathematical skills. The initial score difference in mathematical skills favoring the control group was closed after the intervention. In addition, a significant increase with a large effect size in the mathematical skill scores of the experimental group children was observed. Children in the experimental group expressed their enjoyment of the math games and willingness to participate again. The findings are discussed considering the role of math games in the development of early mathematical skills.

Keywords

Mathematical skills, preschool education, mathematical games, early numeracy

Matematik Oyunları Aracılığıyla Erken Matematik Becerilerinin Geliştirilmesi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, okul öncesi çocukların matematik becerilerinin gelişimine matematik oyunlarının etkisini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmaya, 60-72 ay aralığında 26’sı deney grubunda 28’i kontrol grubunda olmak üzere 54 çocuk katılmıştır. Çalışmada ön-test son-test kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel bir model kullanılmıştır. Deney grubundaki çocuklar, ebeveynlerinin rehberliği ve desteği ile kendi matematik oyunlarını tasarlamışlardır. Daha sonra bu oyunları sınıflarında arkadaşlarına tanıtmış ve birlikte bu oyunları oynamışlardır. Araştırmanın verileri, Güncellenmiş Erken Aritmetik Testi ve odak grup görüşmeleri aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Bulgular, müdahalenin çocukların matematik becerilerini önemli ölçüde geliştirdiğini göstermektedir. Ön testte kontrol grubu lehine olan matematiksel beceri puanı farkı uygulama sonrasında kapanmıştır. Ayrıca, deney grubu çocuklarının matematiksel beceri puanlarında anlamlı ve yüksek etki düzeyinde bir artış tespit edilmiştir. Deney grubundaki çocuklar, matematik oyunlarını sevdiklerini ve tekrar katılmak istedikleri ifade etmişlerdir. Bulgular, erken matematik becerilerinin gelişiminde matematik oyunlarının rolü dikkate alınarak tartışılmıştır.

Keywords

Matematik becerileri, okul öncesi eğitim, oyunlarla matematik etkinlikleri, erken aritmetik becerileri

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