A Study of the Effects of Using Innovative Board Games to Enhance Grade 3 Students’ Knowledge and Analytical Thinking Skills in Using Punctuation Marks

Abstract

This research aims to study 1) the effects of using game board innovation on academic achievement, 2) satisfaction with the learning process, and 3) the analytical thinking skills of third-grade students. The research methodology employed a pre-experimental research design. The target group comprised 37 third-grade students studying in Group 1 at Khon Kaen University Elementary Demonstration School (Suksasart) in the second semester of the academic year 2022. The research utilized three instruments, namely: 1) a Thai language board game to explore the use of punctuation marks; 2) an academic achievement test on the use of punctuation marks; and 3) an analytical thinking test on the use of punctuation marks. The data analysis conducted by the researchers included both qualitative and quantitative data. The statistical analysis used basic statistical measures such as mean and percentage. The findings of the research and data analysis are as follows: 1) The players had an average pre-academic achievement score on the use of punctuation marks of 6.59, which increased to an average post-academic achievement score of 8.10. Moreover, 91.89% of the players achieved a score of 7 or higher out of a maximum score of 10. This result was based on a sample of 34 players out of the target group of 37. 2) The satisfaction level in all aspects was high. The players expressed high satisfaction in playing the game and exhibited strong analytical thinking skills, with the highest average score of 2.97. The players also demonstrated satisfaction in acquiring knowledge along with having fun and gaining knowledge about punctuation marks, with the highest average score of 2.95. The duration of the game had the lowest average score of 2.60, indicating a high level of satisfaction. 3) The players exhibited an average analytical thinking score of 8.08. Out of the target group, 91.89% of the players (34 individuals) achieved a score of 7 or higher.