Análisis comparativo sobre el desempeño de destrezas numéricas en niños y niñas del primero de básica en cuatro escuelas de la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

Building mathematical foundations at an early age will result in children`s better future mathematical achievements. The skills related to mathematical competence are central for problem solving, not only in mathematics but also in other areas. The aim of this research was to do a comparative study of the numerical performance of children in relational and counting skills through the application of the Utrecht Early Numeracy Test. The sample comes from the participation of students of the first year of basic education from four private schools in the city of Cuenca. The average age of the participants was 5 years plus 10 months old (SD = 3.9 months). The results from the sampleshow a superior performance in the relational skills in comparison with counting skills. The results also confirm the influence of the age on the acquisition of skills in general. An exception of this influence exists in one of the evaluated skills.