GAME-BASED COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: THE ROLE OF INTELLECTUM LOGICAL GAMES IN PRESCHOOL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

This study examines the role of Intellectum logical games in supporting cognitive development in preschool children through the analysis of educators’ experiences. Grounded in constructivist and sociocultural theoretical frameworks, the research adopts a qualitative design to explore how logical game-based learning is implemented in real educational settings. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with two preschool educators and analyzed using qualitative content analysis supported by MAXQDA software, including open, axial, and thematic coding. The findings reveal that the effectiveness of logical games is closely linked to the pedagogical strategies employed by teachers. Key practices include task differentiation, the use of visual and multimodal supports, structured step-by-step instruction, and the integration of movement-based activities. These strategies enable educators to adapt logical games to children’s diverse cognitive abilities and maintain engagement. At the same time, the study identifies significant challenges, such as difficulties in explaining tasks, concerns about cognitive overload, and managing heterogeneous learning groups. Importantly, these challenges are shown to stimulate the development of adaptive teaching approaches and professional growth. The results confirm that Intellectum logical games contribute to the development of essential cognitive processes, including logical thinking, attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, the study highlights the critical role of teacher agency in mediating the relationship between instructional tools and learning outcomes. By providing an in-depth qualitative perspective, the research contributes to bridging the gap between theoretical models of game-based learning and their practical application in preschool education. The findings underscore the importance of structured, teacher-guided play as an effective and developmentally appropriate approach to enhancing cognitive development in early childhood.