Comparative analysis of the motor development of children of 4 and 5 years old in urban and rural educational contexts

Abstract

Introduction. The adequate development of motor skills is an important factor for a correct adaptation of the child, this process is aimed at strengthening skills in order to lay the foundations so that subsequent learning that involves motor skills will be easier for the student. According to the guidelines of education in Ecuador, this factor must be standardized and respond to the mandatory curriculum established for initial education. However, the conditions of educational centers in urban and rural settings are influenced by different environmental, social and pedagogical factors. Objective. Establish if there are important differences in the acquisition of motor skills according to urban and rural learning environments. Methodology. For this, a study was carried out in 160 children from urban and rural schools, to which a test was applied to measure the level of gross and fine motor development, the results obtained were contrasted with the data obtained from a focus group made up of boys. family, teachers and technical specialists. Results. Statistical results indicate significant differences for gross motor skills, but there are no significant differences in fine motor skills. Conclusions. The findings found indicate that gross motor skills vary depending on the environments and based on the students' needs to adapt to them. Key Words: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Urban Environment, Rural Environment, Motor Development