Scholter-2024
Authors: Gabriela Scholter.
Article: Acquiring basic literacy and numeracy: make it tangible, personable and personal.
Publication: Master's Thesis (Steinerhøyskolen, Oslo, Norway). 2024
Abstract
This qualitative research study with a phenomenological approach explores the efficacy of creative processes, like clay work, drawing, painting, building models or other 3-D activities in supporting the acquisition of the alphabet, reading, writing and basic arithmetic. I explore the research on different ways of conceptualization and the effect of such differences on learning. Semi-structured interviews with five teachers from four different schools elicit a range of different approaches and methods. Stories teachers recount concerning the variety of such methods and the attained results underscore the importance of using methods of teaching in alignment with individual students’ thinking and learning styles. I start by describing the methods as well as my positionality. A review of pertinent literature concerning teaching and learning strategies follows, and subsequently extensive discussion of the data and the findings. I close with an evaluation of the study, its limitations and implications for future research.
The following research questions are the guide for the study:
1. Do creative processes, like clay work, drawing, painting, building models or other 3-D activities support the acquisition of the alphabet, reading, writing and basic arithmetic?
2. Do such methods support the retention of these skills?
The purpose of this research is two-fold:
1. Explore efficacy of creativity in the teaching of basic literacy and numeracy.
2. Enrich our understanding of differing strategies that may later inform recommendations for greater diversity in methods of teaching, including embodied learning and the use of didactic material in 3-D.
The findings may be the basis for further studies and recommendations regarding the actualization of didactic material, and enrich our understanding of how such material might evolve. As such, the study argues for the increased use of creative methods. Findings indicate that learning with a range of different types of material is enjoyable, which in turn could enhance retention.
