Improving the basic social skills of first grade primary school students with educational games: An action research

In this study, conducted within the scope of action research, it was aimed to develop the basic social skills of first grade students, including communication, cooperation, and compliance with rules and instructions, through educational games. The study group, selected through purposeful sampling and easy accessibility, consisted of 33 first graders. The quantitative data of the study were collected using a rubric, theme observation form and social skills evaluation form, which were developed by taking into account course schedules, expert opinions and relevant scales. With these tools used before and after the research, the teaching-learning process was observed by the researcher primary school teacherand an interview was held with the teacher at the end of the study. Quantitative data were compared with non-parametric tests, and qualitative data were examined with content analysis. As a result of the analysis of the quantitative data collected with the rubric, theme observation form and social skills evaluation form before and after the study, it was revealed that first graders showedsignificant progress in their communication, cooperation and compliance with rules and instructions skills. As a result of the analysis of qualitative data collected through interviews and observations, the themes of "Communication", "Cooperation", "Complying with the Rules and Guidelines", "Emotions" and "Problems" emerged. At the end of the educational game applications, it was determined that there were positive developments in the students' communication, cooperation, and compliance with the rules and instructions skills. In addition, it was revealed that students were happy, excited and loved the work done with educational games. In addition, the lack of a suitable place for educational games necessitated the games to be carried out in the school garden, and therefore it was concluded that the air temperature negatively affected the practices. Although the large number of students in the classroom was also mentioned as a problem, it was determined that the students' skills improved during the application process and they had positive feelings about the applications. Key Words: Communication, Cooperation, Educational Game, First Grade, Game, Obeying the Rules, Social Skills