Vogt F., Hauser B., Stebler R., Rechsteiner K., Urech C. Learning through Play – Pedagogy and Learning Outcomes in Early Childhood Mathematics

Keywords: early childhood education mathematics play quantitynumber-competencies kindergarten games pedagogy

Vogt F., Hauser B., Stebler R., Rechsteiner K., Urech C. Learning through play – pedagogy and learning outcomes in early childhood mathematics. Preschool Education Today. 3:13, 66–78 (in Russian)

This work is licensed under a Сreative Commons Atribiution - NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

2019, 3

Franziska Vogt
Institute for Research in Teaching and Learning, University of Education St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Christa Urech
Institute for Research in Teaching and Learning, University of Education St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Rita Stebler
Institute of Education Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Karin Rechsteiner
Institute for Research in Teaching and Learning, University of Education St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Bernhard Hauser
Institute for Research in Teaching and Learning, University of Education St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Abstract

Whilst research underlines the importance of early mathematics in kindergarten, practitioners need effective and innovative approaches to pedagogy. Currently, very different approaches are deployed from an instructional, educator-led approach based on training programmes to a play-based approach. This intervention study examines the effects on the mathematical competency of these two pedagogies. Thirty-five kindergarten educators and 324 six-year-old children were randomly assigned to either a training programme, a play-based approach with card and board games or to the control group. Educators’ views on the interventions were gathered in semi-structured interviews. The results indicate higher learning gains overall for the play-based approach. Differentiated effects were found as tendencies: children with low competencies tend to gain more from training programmes compared to no intervention; children with high competencies gain more from the play-based approach than the training. Educators evaluated the play-based intervention with card and board games as better suited to children’s diverse needs.

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