This study investigates pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) among teachers teaching mathematics at the preschool level in Colombia, highlighting the importance of integrating mathematical knowledge with innovative and effective pedagogical strategies. Using a mixed exploratory and transactional methodology, the perceptions and practices of 82 teachers were examined, focusing on their understanding of mathematical content, pedagogical skills, and knowledge of children’s cognitive development. The findings reveal a significant gap in teachers’ understanding of these concepts, indicating a critical need to strengthen PCK among teachers. To this end, training should be provided to enable teachers to foster meaningful and contextualized mathematical learning in preschool students. The study suggests reviewing teacher training curricula and fostering the development of pedagogical strategies that prioritize conceptual understanding and mathematical reasoning. Additionally, it identifies critical areas for improvement and offers concrete recommendations for transforming mathematics teaching in preschool education. To enhance the quality of mathematics education, several measures are proposed: ensuring continued availability of training programs for teachers, encouraging collaboration between educators, adopting constructivist approaches, and helping teachers understand the value of mathematics learning outside the school.
The educational-instructional process, specific to the preschool age of 4–5 years, is oriented towards the formation of children’s motor and cognitive skills. As part of physical activities in preschool education, various exercises are performed to strengthen motor and verbal responses. Light physical exercises and movement games are used to improve motor skills and verbal ability. The present research was carried out on a group of 20 preschoolers, using an experimental methodology, with the help of One-Group Pre-test and Post Test Design. Based on the statistical analysis of the data obtained from the motor skills evaluation tests and the cognitive skills evaluation tests, the value p < 0.001 indicates a positive statistical significance between the pre-test and the post-test. The values of Cohen’s D coefficient by which the effect size was evaluated indicate its great influence (D = 0.893). In conclusion, the differences between the pre-test and post-test values show significant progress, which underlines the effectiveness of the intervention aimed at improving motor and cognitive skills in preschoolers.
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