Open Learning Platform for Primary Education

25 September 2023: For the second segment of the workshop, the emphasis was placed on the newly introduced sample content – Counting Backwards.

The team showcased a narrative titled “Nana’s Magical Beads” to elucidate the concept of counting backwards from 60. Figure 3 displays the sample material related to reverse counting, which was shared with participants for their insights. Their feedback prompted additional topic suggestions, as outlined in Table 1.

Figure 3 Nana’s Magical Bead

Analysis of the Story & Its Educational Utility

The story revolves around Nana Afi and her interaction with a young girl named Aisha. Set in the bustling market of Accra, the tale uses magical beads as a device to impart a lesson in patience and the skill of counting backwards.

1. Engaging Context: By setting the story in a familiar locale like a market and introducing a magical element (the beads), the narrative becomes relatable and fascinating for children. The idea of each bead having a unique power sparks curiosity, ensuring children’s attention is captured from the beginning.
2. Incremental Learning: As Nana Afi recounts the story of each bead and removes it, the process serves as a practical demonstration of subtraction. Starting with 60 beads and removing one each time naturally introduces the concept of counting backwards.
3. Interactive Learning: The story actively involves Aisha, and by extension, the child reader or listener, in the counting process. Aisha’s exclamation after the 51st bead, for example, showcases her understanding and application of the counting skill she’s acquiring.
4. Repetition for Reinforcement: The repeated action of describing a bead and then removing it helps in reinforcing the concept. Repetition is a well-established tool in learning, making new concepts stick in the memory.
5. Real-Life Application: By using a tangible object like beads, the story provides a relatable context. Children can easily emulate this learning approach in their environment, be it with beads, toys, or any other countable object.

In conclusion, the story brilliantly weaves the concept of counting backwards into a captivating narrative. By combining magic, relatable characters, and repetitive actions, it offers a holistic learning experience. Children can grasp the abstract mathematical concept of counting backwards through a tangible and engaging medium, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.

About the Project:

The Open Learning Platform for Primary Education is funded by CERES and the Jacobs Foundation. The research team, led by Prof. Richard Boateng, can be reached by richboateng[@]ug.edu.gh

Cite as:

Boateng, R., Marfo, J. S., Boateng, S. L., Penu, O. K. A., Budu, J., & Asamoah, P. (2023 September 25). Evaluating and Refining Online Content: Counting Backwards. Medium. https://medium.com/@richard.boateng/evaluating-and-refining-online-content-counting-backwards-7c17e715ced9