The Effect of the Puzzle Playing Method on Improving the Cognitive Development of Children Aged 4-6 Years

Abstract

Playing in early childhood is very important; playing facilitates the learning process. Puzzles are an example of an educational learning method. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a puzzle playing method on improving the cognitive development of children aged 4-6 years in TK Nurul Iman, Sukakarsa Urban Village, Sukarame Subdistrict, Tasikmalaya District. A quantitative pre-experimental pretest-posttest design was used and data were collected through questionnaires. Respondents in this study included 40 students of TK Nurul Iman in Sukakarsa Urban Village. Data analysis involved the Mann-Whitney U-Test. The results of the pretest showed that 32 participants (80%) were in the low category, and the posttest results showed that 26 children (65%) were in the good category; this difference was significant (p < 0.01). This showed that there was an effect of the puzzle playing method on improving the cognitive development of the children aged 4-6 years in TK Nurul Iman, Sukakarsa Urban Village, Sukarame Subdistrict, Tasikmalaya District. This research is expected to be used as a reference for other teachers in helping develop children’s cognitive abilities. Keywords: puzzle playing method, improving cognitive development