THE EFFECT OF USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE GAMES (3D PUZZLES) ON THE PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS OF CHILDREN AGED 4-5 YEARS

An Experimental Study in Kindergarten Class B in Kecamatan Sawangan

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of using three-dimensional (3D) puzzle games on the problem-solving skills of children aged 4–5 years. The research is based on the importance of fostering problem-solving abilities from an early age as part of children's cognitive development. A quasi-experimental method with a post-test only control group design was employed. The subjects consisted of 28 children divided into an experimental group and a control group. The instrument used was an observation sheet based on Polya’s four stages of problem solving: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and reviewing the solution.

Data analysis revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The t-test result showed that the thitung value (12.493) was greater than the ttabel value (2.05553), indicating that the null hypothesis (H₀) was rejected and the alternative hypothesis (H₁) was accepted. These findings indicate that the use of 3D puzzle games significantly affects the problem-solving skills of children aged 4–5 years. Therefore, educational games such as 3D puzzles can be used as an effective alternative for stimulating early childhood cognitive development.