Representation of didactic games in social studies at the primary school level

Authors

  • Polona Jančič Faculty of Education, University of Maribor
  • Vlasta Hus Faculty of Education, University of Maribor

Keywords:

primary school, games, teaching, social studies

Abstract

This empirical research sought to establish the representation of didactic games in social studies in the fourth and fifth grades in primary school. The authors examined the frequency with which didactic games are used in social studies, the frequency with which didactic games are used with regard to the different phases of a class session, the most important reason teachers use didactic games in social studies; and students’ opinions on whether it is possible to gain new knowledge via didactic games. The research sample consisted of 290 fourth and fifth grade students, 177 teachers teaching the fourth and fifthgrades, and 56 observed social studies lessons. The results show that teachers rarely use didactic games in social studies. Teachers most commonly use didactic games at the beginning of lessons—in the introduction. Most often, teachers use didactic games to achieve greater motivation and concentration of students and for more diversified and relaxed classes. Also, students believe that by using didactic games in social studies they gain knowledge.

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Author Biographies

Polona Jančič, Faculty of Education, University of Maribor

Asist. mag. Polona Jančič works at the Department of Elementary Education at Faculty of Education University of Maribor. Her research interest includes the constructivist approach towards teaching and learning in primary education. She is especially interested in experiential learning as a didactic strategy in teaching social studies.

Vlasta Hus, Faculty of Education, University of Maribor

Prof. dr. Vlasta Hus works at the Department of Elementary Education at Faculty of Education University of Maribor. She gives lectures of subjects Didactic of Environmental Educational Studies, Early Social Studies, Outdoor Education of the subject Environmental Education and Social Studies. Her main research interests are curricular changes of Environmental and Social Studies Subjects.

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Published

2019-04-30

How to Cite

Jančič, P., & Hus, V. (2019). Representation of didactic games in social studies at the primary school level. Revista Prisma Social, (25), 359–373. Retrieved from https://revistaprismasocial.es/article/view/2706