PENGGUNAAN MEDIA BALOK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN KOGNITIF ANAK DALAM MENGENAL KONSEP BILANGAN DI KB AL-FALAH PUDAKITTIMUR

Abstract

The results of the study show that the use of block-based learning materials can improve children’s cognitive abilities in understanding number concepts. This study was motivated by the low level of cognitive ability among early childhood students at Al-Falah Pudakiit Timur Preschool in understanding number concepts. Children still struggle to recognize numbers, count objects, and match number symbols with the corresponding number of objects. Therefore, learning materials that are engaging and appropriate for young children are needed, one of which is the use of blocks. This study aims to improve children’s cognitive abilities in understanding number concepts through the use of blocks at the Al-Falah Pudakiit Timur Preschool. The research method used was Classroom Action Research (CAR), with the research subjects being children in the Al-Falah Pudakiit Timur kindergarten class. The study was conducted in two cycles, each comprising the stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. Data collection techniques included observation, documentation, and assessment of the children’s learning outcomes. The data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of the study indicate that the use of block-based learning materials effectively enhances children’s cognitive abilities in understanding number concepts. In Cycle I, the learning achievement rate was only 53.33%, but it increased to 76.66% in Cycle II. This is evident from the improvement in the children’s ability to name numbers, count objects, sequence numbers, and match number symbols with the corresponding number of objects. The percentage of learning achievement among the children increased from the initial condition through Cycle I to Cycle II. Thus, the use of block-based teaching aids proved effective in enhancing children’s cognitive abilities in understanding number concepts at Al-Falah Pudakiit Timur Kindergarten.