Penggunaan Permainan Make & Match untuk Peningkatan Keterampilan Sosial Peserta Didik di SMP Negeri 7 Banjarmasin

Abstract

An effective learning process is not only limited to achieving cognitive goals, but must also consider the development of students' social skills. Cooperative learning, combined with educational games such as Make & Match, can contribute to achieving this goal. This game is designed to improve social interaction, cooperation, and communication among students. This quantitative quasi-experimental study used a single-group pre-test/post-test design. This study involved 31 8th-grade E students at SMP Negeri Banjarmasin No. 7. Data were collected using a social skills questionnaire that met validity and reliability requirements. Data analysis was conducted using a paired Student's t-test and calculation of effect size (Cohen's d). The analysis showed a significant difference in students' social skills levels before and after the implementation of the "Make & Match" game (p < 0.001). The average social skills score increased from 104.35 in the first assessment to 111.26 in the final assessment. The calculation of effect size resulted in a Cohen's d value of 1.518, indicating a very large effect. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the "Make & Match" game is effective in improving students' social skills, particularly in communication, cooperation, empathy, self-control, and the ability to resolve conflicts constructively. Therefore, this game can be used as an alternative cooperative learning strategy, encouraging active and collaborative learning and contributing to students' character development.