The relation between children's constructive play activities, spatial ability, and mathematical word problem-solving...

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Constructive play is linked to enhanced spatial ability in children.
• Spatial ability is positively correlated with mathematical word problem-solving skills.
• The direct link between constructive play and math problem-solving remains under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the mediating role of spatial ability in the relationship between constructive play and mathematical word problem-solving performance.
• Investigate how spatial skills influence the impact of play on math abilities in elementary students.

Main Methods:

• A mediation analysis was employed using established statistical approaches.
• The study involved 128 sixth-grade elementary school children.
• Examined the interplay between constructive play, spatial ability, and math word problem performance.

Main Results:

• Constructive play and spatial ability together explained 38.16% of the variance in mathematical word problem-solving performance.
• Spatial ability partially mediated the relationship, accounting for 31.58% of the association between constructive play and math problem-solving.
• Findings highlight the significant role of spatial skills in connecting play-based learning to academic achievement.

Conclusions:

• Spatial ability is a key mediator in how constructive play influences mathematical word problem-solving.
• Interventions promoting constructive play may enhance spatial skills, thereby improving math performance.
• This research underscores the importance of play-based learning and spatial development for academic success in mathematics.