Capturing Peer Interactions While Playing Buaya di Bawah Jambatan (BDBJ) Board Game in Learning Adab and Moral Values

Abstract

Abstract: This paper examines peer interactions among preschoolers while playing the board game known as Buaya di Bawah Jambatan (BDBJ) particularly in learning adab and moral values. Additionally, this study is guided by two research objectives focusing on the nature (types) of interactions among players during the game and suggestions or responses from the instructors on the game including its physical outlook and processes. This research embarked upon a qualitative study where 4, 5 to 6 years old children attending a pre-school in Shah Alam were observed when playing ‘Buaya di Bawah Jambatan’. The sample was basically a group made up of 2 boys & 2 girls. The teacher assigned for the group became the instructor facilitating the whole process of playing the game. Data collected was mainly from the non-participant observations made by the researchers when the game was played. Video recordings too were made to capture the interactions observed during the whole session. Analysis were made both on the initial observation and the subsequent observations done on the recorded videos. The findings of this research revealed three major themes on peer interactions which include (1) learning to be with peers, (2) developing creative thinking and problem solving and (3) humour and laughter. The study also found that suggestions or responses from the instructor comprises both areas of improvements and strengths of the game. These findings are crucial to help teacher-educators to enhance their pedagogical skills and knowledge, particularly on learning adab and moral values in more fun, engaging and meaningful ways. Hence, learning adab and moral values among children should be more dynamic and relevant to children’s lives rather than applying solely on conventional approaches.  It is hoped that this study opens more opportunities, insights, and ideas for other researchers to study peer interactions and its relations to games and learning adab  with children  in other populations such as among the marginalized  community and B40 group as well as children with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Keywords: Peer interaction, adab, moral values, creative thinking and problem solving