DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAY-BASED LEARNING EXPERIENCE MODEL USING EDUCATIONAL GAMES EMPHASIZING COLLABORATIVE PROCESSES THROUGH CREATIVE MEDIA TO ENHANCE COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT OF KINDERGARTEN LEVEL 3 CHILDREN

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to 1) develop a learning experience model based on educational games with a play-based approach, 2) determine the efficiency of the developed model based on the 80/80 criterion, 3) compare the cognitive development of early childhood students before and after the implementation of the model, and 4) examine the satisfaction of early childhood students toward the learning experience model. This study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach in conjunction with a One-Group Pretest–Posttest Design. The sample consisted of 15 kindergarten level 3 students, selected by intact group sampling. The research instruments included the learning experience model, 24 lesson plans, a cognitive development test, a behavioral observation form, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, and inferential statistics, specifically the dependent t-test.

The results revealed that 1) the developed model was appropriate and consistent with the Early Childhood Education Curriculum B.E. 2017; 2) the model achieved an efficiency of 86.67/92.00, which was higher than the standard criterion of 80/80; 3) the students’ cognitive development after the implementation was significantly higher than before at the .05 level; and 4) the students reported a high level of satisfaction toward the learning activities. Therefore, educational institutions and early childhood educators should apply this play-based learning experience model, adapting it to suit the learners' context, available resources, and environment, in order to promote sustainable cognitive development.