The Effectiveness of Experiential Learning for Developing the Spatial Orientation Skills of Preschool Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Keywords:
experiential learning; spatial orientation skills; preschool children; early childhood education; quasi-experimental designAbstract
The spatial orientation abilities of young children are vital for their early cognitive development and serve as preparation for formal learning. Scholarly interest in experiential learning in early childhood education is increasing yet little classroom research has investigated the role of structured experiential activities in supporting preschool children’s development of spatial orienting abilities. This research examined the impact of a 10-week experiential learning intervention on the spatial orientation skills of children aged 5–6 years in authentic preschool settings. We used a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest approach with an experimental group and a control group. The study involved a total of 120 children of preschool age (60 children in the experimental group and 60 children in the control group). Children’s spatial orientation skills were evaluated by means of an observational rubric based on the experiential learning theory, which investigates three dimensions: spatial awareness, spatial practice and spatial application. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests and effect size analysis to investigate changes before and after the intervention. Children who participated in the experiential learning programme showed statistically significant short-term improvements in all three dimensions. In particular, children showed progress regarding their capacity to apply spatial awareness in collaborative, movement-based and exploratory activities. This study contributes to the literature by applying Kolb’s experiential learning framework to a multidimensional model of spatial orientation development in early childhood schooling. The findings suggest that structured experiential learning activities may offer effective ways to promote spatial orienting skills in preschool classroom settings.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.6.37
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