COOPERATIVE LEARNING THROUGH NATURE GAMES - A KEY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT IN MATHEMATICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION - A CASE STUDY WITH A GROUP OF 0-CLASS CHILDREN

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Putri

Increasing screen time and digital distraction in early education highlight the need for learning approaches that reconnect children with nature. This study examines cooperative learning integrated into the “Mathematics and Environmental Exploration” (MEE) curriculum to strengthen both mathematical skills and social competencies in six-year-old children. A yearlong case study in Romania used weekly workshops in parks and forests, combining playful, cooperative mathematics with environmental exploration. Nature-based games improved mathematical understanding, problem-solving, cooperation, teamwork, and social skills.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

AccessFree to download

1. Introduction

2. Fundamental principles for developing the intervention program

COOPERATIVE LEARNING THROUGH NATURE GAMES: A KEY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT IN MATHEMATICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL EXPLORATION—A CASE STUDY WITH A GROUP OF 0-CLASS CHILDREN Kata-Szilvia BARTALIS-BINDER, Sonia SILAȘ Abstract: The increasing screen time and digital distractions in modern education have underscored the need for innovative approaches to early childhood learning that reconnect children with the natural world. This study investigates the integration of cooperative learning methods in nature within the "Mathematics and Environmental Exploration" (MEE) curriculum, aiming to enhance both mathematical skills and social competencies among six-year-old children. A yearlong case study was conducted with a pre-primary class at the German Department of the National College Liviu Rebreanu in Bistrița, Romania. The intervention involved a five-month practical phase, featuring weekly workshops in local parks and forests. These sessions were designed to integrate mathematics with environmental exploration through playful and cooperative activities. Mathematical tests and social skill questionnaires were used to measure the impact of the naturebased games. Results indicated significant improvements in both mathematical understanding and social skills. Post-intervention assessments revealed enhanced problem-solving abilities, a better grasp of mathematical concepts, and increased proficiency in cooperation and teamwork. children. Key words: Cooperative learning, nature-based education, pre-primary education, cognitive benefits, environment exploration, play-based learning, social skills development, teamwork and cooperation, Mathematics and Environmental Exploration 1. Introduction The interconnectedness of humanity and the natural environment underscores the importance of fostering a deep understanding of both mathematical concepts and environmental awareness in early education. As articulated by Wendell Berry, the recognition of our shared dependence on Earth’s resources and environment is crucial for cultivating a responsible and integrated approach to education (Luca, 2021) . This perspective emphasizes the value of engaging with nature as a means of enhancing cognitive, social, and emotional development, particularly through cooperative learning and naturebased activities. In an era marked by increasing digitalization, children are spending more time in front of screens, which can lead to overstimulation and a diminished connection with the natural world. The educational framework for Mathematics and Environmental Exploration (MEE) addresses this concern by integrating nature-based learning activities into the curriculum. Research highlights that learning through nature-based games offers a healthy alternative that supports holistic development and fosters crucial skills such as cooperation and problem-solving (Gottschalk, 2019) . Cooperative learning in natural settings not only promotes teamwork but also provides opportunities for cognitive engagement and stress reduction. The MEE curriculum is designed to build foundational knowledge and skills across several domains: Numbers, Geometric Shapes and Solids, Measurements, Data, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Physical Sciences. This curriculum focuses on developing general competencies, including basic arithmetic operations, geometric recognition, environmental observation, logical reasoning, and data representation (Pleșca, 2022) . The article proposes and tests a program aimed at effectively implementing the MEE curriculum. Specific competencies are progressively developed through structured activities that draw on students' concrete experiences and incorporate diverse teaching strategies tailored to various learning styles. We hypothesize that cooperative learning through nature games positively impacts preschool children's cognitive development by enhancing their problemsolving skills and mathematical understanding. Furthermore, participation in natu

FAQs

What is the main goal of the study?

To test whether cooperative learning through nature games within the MEE curriculum improves both mathematical understanding and social skills in six-year-old children.

How was the nature-based intervention implemented?

A yearlong case study included a five-month practical phase with weekly workshops in local parks and forests, using playful cooperative activities to link mathematics with environmental exploration.

What methods were used to measure outcomes?

Mathematical tests and social skill questionnaires were used to assess impact before and after the intervention, including problem-solving and cooperation.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Putri