Title: Effect Of Play-Based Learning On Primary One Pupils Knowledge Of Personal Health In Ibarapa East Local Government Area Of Oyo State Nigeria
Authors: OGUNNAIYA Racheal Taiwo PhD & MORENIKEJI Aliu Bolaji
Volume: 10
Issue: 8
Pages: 217-224
Publication Date: 2026/08/28
Abstract:
This study examined the effect of a play-based learning strategy on Primary One pupils' knowledge of personal health in Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Lanlate, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a pre-test-post-test experimental design with control and experimental groups. The population comprised all Primary One pupils in the study area, from which a sample of 40 pupils was selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ), designed to assess pupils' knowledge of personal health concepts. The instrument was validated and tested for reliability using the test-retest method, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.82, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize demographic data, while independent sample t-tests were employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that pupils exposed to the play-based learning strategy demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of personal health than those taught through the lecture method. Specifically, significant improvements were observed in hand hygiene (t = 22.614, p < .05), body hygiene (t = 4.951, p < .05), and dental hygiene (t = 4.951, p < .05). The study concluded that play-based learning is an effective pedagogical strategy for improving young learners' knowledge of personal health. It recommended the integration of play-based instructional approaches into the primary school curriculum to promote pupils' health knowledge, practical hygiene skills, and positive attitudes towards personal health practices.