The effectiveness of social learning theory-based teaching activities in helping preschool children acquire self-care and social competence skills

This study investigates the effectiveness of education delivered through animated films based on the social learning theory in imparting self-care and social competence behaviors to preschool children. The study, conducted in a randomized controlled manner, took place in two preschools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the Çankaya district of Ankara between January 20 and June 16, 2023. The study sample comprised 82 children, 41 in the intervention group and 41 in the control group. Data were collected using a Demographic Data Form, The Assessment of Self Care Skills Test For 3-6 Years-Old Children, and The Social Competence and Behavior Evaluation Scale (SCBE-30). Five animated films based on the social learning theory were provided over four months to instill self-care and social competence behaviors in the intervention group. At the end of each month, scales were administered to evaluate the children. As a result, the children were assessed a total of five times. The control group received no intervention, continuing with the standard education provided in the preschool. Following the education based on the social learning theory, the intervention group showed significantly higher scores in three sub-dimensions of the self-care scale (cleanliness and personal care, eating, resting) and the total score compared to the control group (p<0.05). The intervention group also demonstrated significantly higher scores in the social competence and behavior scale's sub-dimension of social competence and the total score compared to the control group (p<0.05). The final test scores for two sub-dimensions of the social competence and behavior scale (anger-aggression and anxiety-introversion) were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In light of these findings, it is recommended that the positive health behaviors of preschool children be fostered through the application of the Social Learning Theory in the learning process. Keywords: social learning theory, self-care, social competence, preschool period