Using puppets to encourage dialogue in the primary classroom: a study of pupils’ perspectives on the use of puppets in their lessons
Roseanna Burns
Abstract
This mixed methods, small-scale study examined the views of 26 pupils aged 7-11 years regarding the effect of the use of puppets during mathematics lessons on their enjoyment, understanding, attention, confidence and
contribution. Two, 45cm tall, hand-held human character puppets (one male and one female) were used in both small group lessons and in 10-minute starter sessions as part of 60-minute, whole class lessons. A questionnaire
provided quantitative data and semi-structured, individual interviews were undertaken to obtain qualitative data to explore the results from the questionnaire. The majority of children in both year groups indicated that they enjoyed the use of puppets in lessons and that they had a positive effect on their understanding and behaviour, especially their attention. Interview data showed that pupils engaged with and related to the puppets. The study findings have encouraged the researcher to use puppets in future lessons to promote dialogue and engagement.
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The full paper is available for download as a pdf file: [pdf] 127-152-burnsr
Citation: Burns, R.(2017) Using puppets to encourage dialogue in the primary classroom: a study of pupils’ perspectives on the use of puppets in their lessons 'Journal of Trainee Teacher Educational Research, Volume 8 pp. 127-152 (Downloaded from http://jotter.educ.cam.ac.uk/, [date of access])