Mathematical skills of primary school children in context of their motor skills

Zdeněk Rechtik¹*, Ludmila Miklánková², Michaela Pugnerová³, Alena Navátilová⁴

¹Mr., Department of Primary and Pre-primary Education, Faculty of Education, Palacky University in Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC, email: zdenek.rechtik@upol.cz

²Assoc. Prof., Department of Primary and Pre-primary Education, Faculty of Education, Palacky University in Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC, email: ludmila.miklankova@upol.cz

³Dr. Department of Psychology and Abnormal Psychology, Faculty of Education, Palacky University in Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC, email: michaela.pugnerova@upol.cz

⁴Ms., Department of Primary and Pre-primary Education, Faculty of Education, Palacky University in Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC, email: alinavratilova@email.cz

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Some researchers suggest a link between motor skill levels and academic achievement. Therefore, this research focuses on assessing the effect of motor skills on children's mathematical skills. The aim of the research is to explore and analyze relationship between mathematical skills and the level of motor skills in children attending primary schools in the Czech Republic. Confirmation of mentioned relationship could lead to improved position of school physical education, higher focus on well-performed motor skills and aimed intervention. Within the research were asked following questions: Is there a relationship between mathematical skills and the level of motor skills in children attending primary education? Are there gender differences in the monitored skills (mathematical or motor)? The research group consisted of 75 children in average age 9.48 ± 0.75 years. The level of motor skills was monitored by MABC-2 test battery. The cognitive ability test (CAT) was used to determine level of mathematical skills in children.   Data were assessed by correlation analysis. Gender differences data were detected by t-test. Results were obtained within the project IGA_PdF_2021_017. The research results indicate gender differences in some of motor skills subtests, but not in the overall levels of motor skills. Significant differences were found in the level of mathematical skills in children, where girls achieved better results (p ≤ 0,01). Statistical analysis also confirmed some correlations between mathematical skills and some motor skills subtests. Although the research results revealed only weak or moderate correlations between the mathematical skills and some motor skills, further research implemented on larger group of primary-aged children is necessary for better understanding of this topic. Important thing is not to neglect the role of school physical education as it may affect academic achievement in children through improved mathematical skills.

Keywords: mathematics, motor skills, primary children.