The development of learning through play module in enhancing children's understanding of number concept

Abstract

Play is essential for children's learning. Children have the right to play in order to explore new things, build relationships and develop meaningful environment especially in early mathematical learning. However, children nowadays receive less support for play because most preschool teachers focus on completing academic syllabus. Preschool teachers are well informed about the importance of play in children’s learning but most of them lack knowledge on how to conduct teaching and learning through play. Therefore, a Learning Through Play (LTP) Module was developed along with a series of teaching and learning activities in order to guide preschool teachers to enhance children’s understanding in number concept. The LTP module was developed using module development steps by Mayer. This module was based on the combination of Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s Cognitive Development Theories. Based on these theories, the play activities provided in this LTP module were implemented cooperatively. This module was tested using quasi-experimental design at four Annex preschools (2 experimental groups, 2 control groups) for ten weeks. The research samples consisted of 4 preschool teachers and 96 children. The research findings showed that children from both groups were found to be homogeneous in the pre-test. Outcome from the post test revealed that there was significant difference in the children’s level of understanding in number concept in the experimental group but not in the control group. Results showed that the LTP module is suitable for fun learning experience that promotes children’s understanding of number concept thus enables children to learn better.