Exploring the potential of play-based learning interventions for academic success: An action research project on improving preschool students' number mastery


Abstract views: 433 / PDF downloads: 141

Authors

  • Sara Armon
  • Phu Vu university of Nebraska at Kearney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10903024

Keywords:

play-based learning, number fluency, number mastery, preschool

Abstract

This action research project aimed to improve preschool students' number fluency through a six-week play-based learning intervention. The study collected data from students' GOLD assessment checkpoints and weekly formative assessments. The results showed a significant increase in students' number mastery (1-10 counting) from 40% to 60%, with even higher progress for those going into kindergarten on counting 1-20. The findings suggest that students of all backgrounds, including Special Education and ELL students, can achieve academic success with the right learning environment. The study highlights the potential of play-based learning interventions for enhancing early childhood education.

References

Bennett, E., Vu, P., & Vu, L. (2022). Effects of structured writing strategies in the high school history classroom. Social Studies Research and Practice.

Borah, J. B. T. (2022). Number concept acquisition during pre-school age.

Burrell, G. & Morgan, G. (1979). Sociological paradigms and organizational analysis: Elements of the sociology of corporate life. Heinemann Educational Books Inc.

Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2020). Learning and teaching early math: The learning trajectories approach. Routledge.

Dehaene, S. (2011). The number sense: How the mind creates mathematics. OUP USA.

Duncan, R. J., Duncan, G. J., Stanley, L., Aguilar, E., & Halfon, N. (2020). The kindergarten Early Development Instrument predicts third grade academic proficiency. Early childhood research quarterly, 53, 287-300.

Ghazali, M. (2020). Numeracy and the education value chain. Quality Education, 579-589.

Ginsburg, H. P. (2021). Voices of competence: What I learned from my early education students. In Early Childhood Teachers ‘Professional Competence in Mathematics (pp. 9-29). Routledge.

Gunbayi, I.(2020a). Knowledge-constitutive interests and social paradigms in guiding mixed methods research (MMR). Journal of Mixed Methods Studies,1, 44-56.

Gunbayi, I. (2020b). Action research as a mixed methods research: Definition, philosophy, types, process, political and ethical issues and pros and cons. Journal of Mixed Methods Studies, 2, 16-25 [Online] www.jomesonline.com DOI: 10.14689/jomes.2020.2.2

Maxwell, J. A. (2012). Qualitative research design: An interactive approach. Sage publications.

Morris, J. E., & Paris, L. F. (2022). Rethinking arts-based research methods in education: enhanced participant engagement processes to increase research credibility and knowledge translation. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 45(1), 99-112.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Walker, K., & Vu, P. (2023). Structured Student Conversations and their Impact. The Canadian Journal of Action Research, 23(1), 43-67.

Downloads

Published

2024-03-05

How to Cite

Armon, S., & Vu, P. (2024). Exploring the potential of play-based learning interventions for academic success: An action research project on improving preschool students’ number mastery. Journal of Action Qualitative & Mixed Methods Research, 3(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10903024