IMPACT OF PLAY AS A TEACHING METHOD FOR COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY PUPILS IN GOMBE METROPOLIS GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study Assessed the impact of play as a teaching method for cognitive development of primary one pupils in Gombe metropolis Gombe state. Among the objectives of the study is to find out wheth-er play method of teaching determines children participation in classroom academic activities, to de-termine the extent to which different types of play method affect children's participation and learn-ing process in nursery Schools. To find out the level of performance of the children using play meth-od. Descriptive survey design was used, while Research questions were raised to guide the study. Questionnaire was used to collect data from one hundred (100) respondents. Frequencies were used to interpret the data obtained. The results of the analysis showed that Play develops pupils’ sense of reasoning and teamwork abilities, it increases pupils’ comprehension of content and development of practical skills, play provides Information, evaluation and creative reasoning among primary one pu-pils, it allows Pupils to actively involved in problem solving. The study recommended that preschool teachers should be going for seminars, workshops and refresher courses on their roles in provision of play equipment, as well as on supervision of children during play activities. This will equip them with more knowledge on how they can improvise most of the play equipment which could be used to promote children participation in outdoor activities among others.