IMPLEMENTASI METODE EKSPERIMEN MENGAPUNG DAN TENGGELAM DALAM PENGEMBANGAN KEMAMPUAN KOGNITIF ANAK

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of the floating and sinking experimental method in developing the cognitive abilities of children aged 4–5 years. The study used a qualitative approach with a descriptive research type conducted at the Teratai Kindergarten in Paku Village, Cintapuri Darussalam District, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan. The research informants consisted of one teacher of group A and 15 children aged 4–5 years. Data collection techniques were carried out through interviews, observation, and documentation, while data analysis used the Miles, Huberman, and Saldana model which includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the implementation of the experimental method was carried out through three stages, namely preparation, implementation, and evaluation. In the preparation stage, the teacher developed a learning plan, prepared concrete media, and related the material to everyday life and the environment. In the implementation stage, children were actively involved in observing, trying, asking questions, and concluding the results of the experiment with teacher guidance. In the evaluation stage, the teacher reflected and assessed the development of children's thinking abilities. The experimental method has been proven to be able to improve logical thinking skills, simple problem solving, curiosity, and understanding of cause-and-effect relationships. Furthermore, experimental activities also foster children's awareness of the importance of environmental protection and flood prevention. Therefore, implementing the floating and sinking experiment method is an effective and meaningful learning strategy to support the cognitive development of early childhood.

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan implementasi metode eksperimen mengapung dan tenggelam dalam pengembangan kemampuan kognitif anak usia 4–5 tahun. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian deskriptif yang dilaksanakan di KB Teratai Desa Paku, Kecamatan Cintapuri Darussalam, Kabupaten Banjar, Kalimantan Selatan. Informan penelitian terdiri atas satu orang guru kelompok A dan 15 anak usia 4–5 tahun. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi, sedangkan analisis data menggunakan model Miles, Huberman, dan Saldana yang meliputi pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi metode eksperimen dilakukan melalui tiga tahap, yaitu persiapan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi. Pada tahap persiapan, guru menyusun perencanaan pembelajaran, menyiapkan media konkret, serta mengaitkan materi dengan kehidupan sehari-hari dan lingkungan. Pada tahap pelaksanaan, anak terlibat aktif dalam kegiatan mengamati, mencoba, bertanya, dan menyimpulkan hasil eksperimen dengan bimbingan guru. Pada tahap evaluasi, guru melakukan refleksi dan penilaian terhadap perkembangan kemampuan berpikir anak. Metode eksperimen terbukti mampu meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir logis, pemecahan masalah sederhana, rasa ingin tahu, serta pemahaman hubungan sebab-akibat. Selain itu, kegiatan eksperimen juga menumbuhkan kesadaran anak terhadap pentingnya menjaga lingkungan dan mencegah banjir. Oleh karena itu, implementasi metode eksperimen mengapung dan tenggelam menjadi strategi pembelajaran yang efektif dan bermakna dalam mendukung perkembangan kognitif anak usia dini.