Support Children to Develop Desire in Science, Technical and Technology Education: The Case of Kinondoni Pre-Primary Classroom, Tanzania

Leoncia Henerico Kibani

doi:10.33422/ijce.v2i2.33

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that science, technical and technological fields are underrepresented academically and professionally from school to university level. The interests in learning such fields can be traced back from early childhood education to higher learning levels. Recent studies have shown that science, technical and technological fields are underrepresented academically and professionally from school to university level. The interests in learning such fields can be traced back from early childhood education to higher learning levels. Studies revealed that teaching and learning materials either guided or free when integrated into children's games and plays become valuable resources that create desires int learning these subjects. This study therefore, explored on the supportive teaching and learning materials employed by teachers and parents in children's game and plays to build their desire and interests of learning the subjects. The study was conducted in Kinondoni district, Tanzania. The study employed a mixed method approach based on descriptive survey design. The study collected data from 230 participants in 20 pre-primary classes. Purposive sampling was for teachers and parents. Random stratifies sampling technique adopted to get pre-primary classes. Findings revealed that children curiosity and interest in learning science, technical and technological elements are impacted by improper and inadequate supportive learning materials. Also, types of plays and games engaged in, classroom environment, parent's participation in children plays and communication done to children. Majority 20 (100%) teacher were employing certain common games and plays those bored children. Many 16 (80%) teachers do not implement recommended supportive materials effectively. The study concluded that supported children demonstrate curiosity and interest which build foundation for future professionals, expertise and specialists. The study recommends for positive support to children's ideas, natural curiosity and perspectives to enhance their interest in learning science, technical and technology aspects.

Highlights

Over the past few decades, researchers and educators in the field of education and child psychology have collected significant evidence for the necessity of supporting children learning of science through plays and games experienced in their lives (Adair & Hoisington, 2018; Rachel, 2015)
Technical skills in children games can be supported for instance, allow them to engage in construction materials like block building, drawing, running and jumping in allelic game (Hall & Schaverien, 2011)
Purpose of the Study The main purpose of this study was to explore on the supportive teaching-learning materials integrated by teachers and parents in children games and plays to develop desire and interest in learning science, technical and technology skills and knowledge

Summary

Introduction

Over the past few decades, researchers and educators in the field of education and child psychology have collected significant evidence for the necessity of supporting children learning of science through plays and games experienced in their lives (Adair & Hoisington, 2018; Rachel, 2015). This is where a factor of poverty comes when you find parents or other guardians have no understanding on the importance of encouraging children’s’ plays and games through giving them needed materials. Parents and teachers think of giving children books, test and exercises as important learning opportunities than plays and games while not In such situation it means children need only a guide to help them shape their understanding and development in keeping progress of building critical-thinking skills about what they experience around them. The aim was to assess if provided support promote children’s desire in learning STEM elements as a basis for future professionals

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion