Effectiveness of Play-Based Learning in the Performance of Grade 1 Learners in Mathematics

AUTHOR(S)

JENELYN R. ROJAS

ABSTRACT

— — Games are an effective tool in education for quickening learning, teaching challenging material, and encouraging systemic thinking (Ding et al., 2018). Numbers, algebra, geometry, arithmetic, calculus, problem-solving, and mathematical topics in general are covered. Students, including those in early education, primary school, secondary school, and university, can gain mathematical knowledge and skills through game-based learning. One of the most effective learning strategies is active learning through gamification which allows the students to learn through playing games and using their classes more effectively. Thus, it is in this premise that the researcher decided to conduct this study to evaluate the effectiveness of play-based learning in enhancing the performance of Grade 1 learners in Math. A quasiexperimental research design was used through the conduct of pre-test and post-test to measure the significant difference of the performance. A researcher-made Math test in the 2nd quarter Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) was used to evaluate the performances of the learners. Further, the researcher formulated lesson plans and learning activities with integration of play-based learning where learners will do the activities in a play while learning the concepts. Based on the data gathered, it was revealed that there is a significant difference in the performance of Grade 1 learners in Math before and after the integration of play-based learning. The dramatic increase in mean scores, coupled with the statistical rejection of the null hypothesis, supports that the improvement is not coincidental but a direct effect of the intervention. This proves that learning through play is a successful teaching method that boosts learners’ motivation, comprehension, and problem-solving abilities in Math. Thus, the research justifies integrating interactive, experiential, and play-based methods in early childhood Math education. Keywords — Effectiveness, Play-Based Learning, Performance, Grade 1 Learners, Mathematics