DEVELOPING LOOSE PARTS MEDIA PLAY SETS TO PROMOTE YOUNG CHILDREN’S UNDERSTANDING OF PATTERNS AND RELATIONSHIPS USING THE DESIGN THINKING PROCESS

Abstract

This study aims to : 1) develop loose parts media play sets to promote young children’s understanding of patterns and relationships using the design thinking process, and 2) evaluate the use of loose parts. The target group comprised 10 teachers and 32 young children, aged 5-6 years, studying in their third year of kindergarten Semester 2, academic year 2023. The tools used in this study consisted of : 1) an online focus group form, 2) an assessment from of a media sets, 3) a media sets and a user manual, and  4) an assessment of young children’s the understanding of patterns and relationships. Quantitative data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

The study revealed the following :

1) The development of media kits using the design thinking process involved five steps : Step 1 : Understanding the problem : Teachers did not know about providing activity techniques and they need a strong packaging. Step 2 : Defining the Problem: Identifying issues with providing activity techniques and packaging. Step 3 : Brainstorming: Determining the materials, patterns, and relationships in order of difficulty, designing packaging, and creating a user manual. Step 4 : Creating a prototype : Developing loose parts play media sets and a corresponding user manual. Step 5 Testing : Application to the target group and assessment.

2) Evaluation of the quality of the media sets was found to be at a very good level (µ = 4.78, σ = 0.44), and the assessment of young children’s understanding of patterns and relationships was also found to be at a very good level (µ = 2.86, σ = 0.34). According from the teachers, the teachers increased their knowledge and understanding of patterns and relationships, and they understood the teaching techniques and used them to promote children's learning. Additionally, the children exhibited greater understanding of patterns and relationships, and they had fun and were motivated to learn.