Language Learning Through Play: A Psychological Perspective from Ibnu Sinna

Abstract

Teaching and learning during the time of the pandemic are indeed challenging. It is not easy to sustain the interest of young children especially when teaching is done virtually. This paper explores the use of Ibnu Sina’s psychology in teaching young children during this difficult period using both f2f and virtual learning. Past practice that required children to memorize facts and follow rigid instructions no longer worked for 21st-century children. Active learning is done through freedom to move and think and very often, this is done through play. Ibnu Sina emphasised fun learning with the combination of music and play at a young age to create healthy physical, mental and moral growth for the children. This study is interested to measure the effect of fun learning in English language subject through online applications among children. A total of 140 middle and low-income school children from Perak participated in this study. The results stated that the children enjoyed learning English through games. Almost all of them were motivated and happy when rewarded for their correct answers done through a game online. Through this approach, they improved their pronunciation and increased their vocabulary. As a result, their overall performance in learning English also increased. The findings of this study echoed what was introduced by Ibnu Sina centuries ago that the use of play, music and physical activities was instrumental in young children’s overall growth.