Journal of Early Childhood Care and Education

Play-based learning in practice: An exploration of early childhood education teacher’s experiences in Yogyakarta City

Inevianti Amir — 2024-07-27

Playing has become an effective method to holistically stimulate various aspects of child development. However, misconceptions among early childhood education (PAUD) teachers regarding the concept of Play-Based Learning (PBL) can lead to potential malpractice. Therefore, this study aims to explore the extent of PAUD teachers' experiences in Yogyakarta City in implementing PBL. Using a survey design, this research produced both quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection was conducted with the assistance of Google Forms, targeting PAUD teachers in Yogyakarta City through random sampling (N=41) using closed, semi-open, and open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that 12.2% of PAUD teachers in Yogyakarta City had low experience in implementing PBL, 56.1% were in the medium category, and the remaining 31.7% were in the high category. This condition is supported by PAUD teachers' recognition that they face a challenge in needing to have broad insights. Meanwhile, four weaknesses of teachers include the various disparity of teacher’s understanding of the PBL concept and three main skills that still require support to improve the quality of PBL implementation and overcome existing weaknesses. Therefore, the study recommends the need to facilitate the strengthening of PAUD teachers' skills tailored to their cluster needs in implementing PBL.

The influence of avoid game on children's knowledge about abduction prevention at TK ABA Danunegaran Yogyakarta

Mita Nurpitasari — 2024-08-04

Abduction is an event that has long-term impacts on its victims, such as trauma, stress, and confusion, and children are no exception. To prevent children from becoming victims again, an effective effort is to provide knowledge about abduction. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the AVOID game on children's knowledge about abduction prevention at TK ABA Danunegaran. The design used is a pre-test and post-test with a sample of 28 children. Furthermore, for data analysis techniques, the Wilcoxon test was used. The results showed that the Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value was 0.000 < 0.05, thus it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of the AVOID game on children's knowledge about abduction prevention. This study is limited to the number of samples and specific context, so further research is recommended to validate and test the long-term impact of the game on children's knowledge.

Early childhood teachers’ perception of the attitudes and behaviors of a professional teacher

Khoiriyah Khoiriyah — 2024-08-07

Teachers’ perceptions regarding their professional identity affect their teaching efficacy, their professional development, their propensity to stay in the teaching profession, and their ability and willingness to enhance their teaching performance and cope with educational change. This study aims to explore the perceptions of Early Childhood Teachers related to the attitudes and behaviors of a Professional Teacher. Quantitative and qualitative approach were used. Data were collected through open-questionnaires and interviews. The subject in this study consists of 100 Early Childhood teachers in Jember who are now teaching in Aisyiyah Kindergarten. All the 100 teachers filled out the questionnaire, but only some were willing to be interviewed. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics. The results of the study revealed that according to teachers’ perceptions, professional attitudes and behaviors include expertise, social ability, self-integrity and productive behavior. The study also found that most teachers rated themselves significantly low in terms of professionalism. Only those with more experience rated themselves high.

Enhancing early childhood’s fine motor development through educational games

Qoriatul Hasanah — 2024-10-26

This study investigates the effectiveness of educational game tools in developing fine motor skills among early childhood students at Kemala Bhayangkari 80 Sampang Kindergarten. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, it involved 15 children (ages 4-6), five teachers, and three parents over a six-month period through observations, interviews, and document analysis. Findings show that tools like plasticine, building blocks, puzzles, finger painting, picture books, and beading each uniquely support fine motor skills such as finger strength, coordination, and creative control. An average improvement of 40-45 points per tool type was observed. This study highlights the importance of a structured educational game-based curriculum, ongoing teacher training, and school-family collaboration to maximize tool efficacy. Future research is recommended to explore the long-term impact of educational game tools on children’s academic performance and to assess the potential of technology-enhanced tools for fine motor skill development.