Utilization of Educational Game Media as a Strategy for Children's Cognitive Development in Elementary School 173169

Abstract

Cognitive development in elementary school children is a crucial phase that significantly influences their academic progress and overall learning capacity. Traditional teaching methods often fall short in engaging students or stimulating higher-order thinking skills. This study investigates the use of educational game media as an innovative strategy to support children's cognitive development in primary education. A quasi-experimental method was employed involving 60 students from two elementary schools, divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received instruction incorporating educational games, while the control group followed conventional teaching methods. Data were collected through pre- and post-tests measuring cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and logical reasoning, supplemented by teacher interviews and classroom observations. The results revealed a notable improvement in the experimental group's cognitive scores, with an average increase of 22%. The most significant gains were seen in problem-solving (25%) and memory retention (19%). Qualitative findings also indicated increased student motivation, engagement, and active participation during learning activities. These outcomes suggest that educational game media can enhance the effectiveness of classroom instruction and foster meaningful learning experiences. However, the study is limited by its short implementation period and relatively small sample size. Further research is recommended to explore long-term impacts and broader applicability across diverse educational contexts.