PLAYING – MOTIVATING – LEARNING
Concept of Strategic Learning Games
Mediation of Cognitive Functions and Logical Thinking
Playing games enhance the learning potential of pre-school children as well as for pupils with certain learning difficulties and children with special needs. MickMath guides them into the world of arithmetic, logical thinking and spatial orientation.
The MickMath Concept is based among other things on the theories of “Structural Cognitive Modifiability” and “Mediated Learning Experience” (Prof.R.Feuerstein). Through interactive and pro-active playing children acquire the necessary knowledge and learning skills. (Albert Einstein: “Playing is the highest form of research”)
The learning aptitude means the implementation of basic cognitive functions. By mediating learning experiences, the pupils develop first and foremost universal cognitive strategies, which in turn enable them to tackle specific tasks and problems. During the input phase this is being achieved through conscious-awareness of the cognitive processes; during the elaboration phase through mediation of strategies which expedite the thinking process and finally during the output impulsivity control and conscious operations.
As the child can develop its independence through playing, it will strengthen its trust in his or her intellectual capabilities, which again heightens the self-esteem and self-confidence and will motivate to dare things elsewhere, in other words, motivation comes with success, e.g. with positive feedback.
It is not only about strategies and technics but also about basic change of attitude, out from passivity towards dynamic and motivated activities. The multitude of games on the same theme, modularly composed with different levels and difficulties, allows the child to re-play rather than repeat by rote, supporting children of all walks of life.
The Challenge
Research has proven that many children begin life with measurable indicators of overwhelming social disadvantages or “risk factors”. The further behind children are when they start learning the lower the likelihood of success. Without successful interventions involving parents and caregivers, many of these children are in danger of falling behind other children in their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. The result of which is an enormous loss of human potential and a high cost to society.
The Hope
To enable all children the same start in to the world of arithmetic and logical thinking and thus paving the way for an easy and better future. Experience shows that irrespective of the socio-economic background and language skills, all children can achieve the same results. We only have to provide the possibility.
The Solution
With MickMath children acquire the necessary skills and cognitive functions through fun and laughter. This modular built games are structured and graded in to units of various difficulty levels. Therefore the teacher must be trained which is a very easy and short process and does not ask for any prior educational training. A good, positive and healthy approach to children is enough. Becoming a facilitator can allow women to find satisfaction and perhaps even generate some earnings.