International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE)
Vol 15, No 4: August 2026

Integration of phenomenon-based and play-based learning in primary science

Prapatchit Techa (Chiang Mai University)
Sakda Swathanan (Chiang Mai University)
Wichaya Pewkam (Chiang Mai University)
Natad Assapaporn (Chiang Mai University)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Aug 2026

Abstract

Primary school students in Thailand continue to struggle with science process skills and creative thinking, a challenge underscored by Thailand’s lowest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) science scores in 20 years. Traditional instruction emphasizing content memorization while neglecting real-world application has been identified as a major contributing factor. Addressing this issue is critical, as both competencies are foundational for 21st-century learning. This study examined the effects of an integrated phenomenon-based learning and play-based learning (PhBL-PBL) innovation on Grade 2 students’ science process skills and creative thinking skills. A one-group posttest-only design was adopted with 41 students in an authentic Thai primary classroom. Data were collected using validated instruments and analyzed through descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests against predefined performance criteria. Results showed that 92.68% of students achieved creative thinking skills at a good level or above, and 85.37% reached the same threshold for science process skills, with mean scores for both domains significantly exceeding the criterion level (p

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJERE

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

The International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE) is an interdisciplinary publication of original research and writing on education which publishes papers to international audiences of educational researchers. The IJERE aims to provide a forum for scholarly understanding of ...