The Effectiveness of Project-Based Learning Methods in Improving the Problem-Solving Skills of Children Aged 5-6 Years

Mustadi Mustadi

Authors

Mustadi Mustadi Universitas Qomaruddin

Keywords:

Project Based Learning, Problem Solving Skills, Quasi Experiment

Abstract

Problem-solving skills are fundamental cognitive skills that are important to develop from an early age. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) method in improving problem-solving skills in children aged 5-6 years. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group design, involving 40 children aged 5-6 years in two kindergartens in Lamongan Regency, East Java. Subjects were divided into an experimental group (N=20) that received an 8-week PBL intervention with a relevant project theme, and a control group (N=20) that followed conventional learning. Problem-solving ability was measured before and after the intervention using structured observation instruments and problem-solving tasks designed according to the developmental indicators of children aged 5-6 years. Data analysis using independent t-tests showed that there was a statistically significant increase in problem-solving ability scores in the experimental group (p < 0.05). In addition, the increase in scores in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the increase in the control group (p < 0.05). The results of this study concluded that the Project-Based Learning method is effective in improving the problem-solving skills of children aged 5-6 years. Implicitly, PBL can be a recommended learning approach for early childhood educators to stimulate children's high-level thinking skills actively and contextually.

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