PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN KOGNITIF ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI PENERAPAN PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL) BERBASIS PENGALAMAN NYATA DI TK ISLAM AL-KAUTSAR PONTIANAK

Abstract

This classroom action research examined whether Project Based Learning (PjBL) could improve the cognitive abilities of children aged 5-6 years in TK Islam Al-Kautsar, Pontianak. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of an active, project-based learning approach in enhancing children's understanding. The research used a classroom action research design conducted in two cycles. The participants were children aged 5-6 years in TK Islam Al-Kautsar, Pontianak. Data were collected through classroom observation and assessment of children's cognitive achievements during learning activities. The findings showed an increase in cognitive ability from one cycle to the next. In Cycle 1, 50% of the children reached the expected developmental level, while 33% had not yet reached it. After revisions in Cycle 2, 82% of the children reached the expected developmental level, and only 17% remained below it. These results indicate that PjBL helped children recognize, observe, and compare objects more effectively. In conclusion, Project Based Learning was effective in improving the cognitive abilities of children aged 5-6 years in this study and may serve as an alternative learning strategy in early childhood education to support cognitive development through active and meaningful learning experiences.

Keywords: Project Based Learning, cognitive ability, early childhood education