Ular Tajir: A Flood-Themed Snakes and Ladders Game for Teaching Flood Mitigation to Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study addresses the urgent need for innovative educational tools to enhance flood disaster mitigation literacy among elementary students. We developed Ular Tajir, a Snakes and Ladders-based game, to improve students’ understanding of mitigation strategies and learning outcomes. Employing the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and a quasi-experimental design, the research involved 124 purposively sampled fourth-grade students in Sintang, West Kalimantan. Data were collected through questionnaires, knowledge assessments, and documentation. Results demonstrated three key outcomes: (1) High feasibility scores from expert validations (97% from media experts, 95% from material experts), confirming the tool’s readiness for educational use; (2) Statistically significant improvements in students’ mitigation comprehension (p = 0.000 < 0.05) across both limited and large-scale trials; and (3) Progressive enhancement of learning outcomes, with peak performance observed during the second trial session. The findings underscore the efficacy of Ular Tajir as an engaging, play-based pedagogical tool for disaster education. This study advocates for integrating interactive, game-driven approaches into curricula to foster both conceptual mastery and practical preparedness in flood-prone communities