Abstract:
This research aimed to develop a pattern/ model of playing Applied Maak Gep for increasing spatial ability among primary school students. A comparison of spatial abilities between student sample groups with and without playing Applied Maak Gep was determined by comparing the response accuracy, reaction time, amplitude, and latency of a P300 brainwave. The randomly-selected sample of sixty primary school students included males and females aged between ten to twelve years old; they were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental plan comprised a pre-test and post-test with the control group. The experimental group was subjected to play Applied Maak Gep forty minutes a day for fifteen consecutive days. The main tool used in the research consisted of Applied Maak Gep as created by the researcher. A mental rotation task test was also used, consisting of sixteen animal images and sixteen geometric shapes; EEG was recorded while performing the task test. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics.
The results were as follows:
1. In the experimental group, response accuracy and reaction times while conducting the test were compared on a pre-post basis. It was found that the experimental group, after playing Applied Maak Gep, had a lower reaction time and higher response accuracy scores than before playing, with a statistical significance. In addition, the experimental group had a lower reaction time and higher response accuracy scores than the control group. Therefore, it can be concluded that playing Applied Maak Gep improved the spatial ability of the experimental group.
2. The results of amplitude and latency of the P300 brainwave of the experimental group while performing the spatial ability test were compared on a pre-post basi. After experiment, the group had a higher P300 amplitude than before the experiment, with a statistical significance, at the following electrode sites: FP1, FPZ, FP2, AF3, AF4, F7, F5, F3, F1, FZ, F2, F4, F6, F8, FC1, FCZ, FC2, C2 and P6. Moreover, the group, after playing, had lower P300 latency than before playing, with a statistical significance, at the sites of FPZ, POZ and O2.
3. The results of amplitude and latency of the P300 brainwave of the experimental group while performing the spatial ability test were compared with that of the control group. The experimental group had higher P300 amplitude than the control group, at the sites of F3, C6, P6, P1 and POZ, as well as, lower P300 latency than the control group, at the sites of CP5.
It can be concluded that the Applied Maak Gep was able to enhance the spatial
ability of the primary school students.