Mathematics Playboard Variation (VaPaMaMa) Instructional Media to Improve the Cognitive Abilities of Early Childhood

Abstrak

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Mathematics Playboard Variation (VaPaMaMa), a novel instructional media, in enhancing cognitive abilities among early childhood learners. Recognizing the critical role of cognitive development in early education, this research adopts a quasi-experimental design involving 60 preschool-aged children from three different kindergartens. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups to assess the impact of VaPaMaMa compared to traditional teachingmethods. Cognitive abilities were evaluated using standardized tests administered before and after the intervention. The findings reveal significant improvements in the cognitive scores of children exposed to VaPaMaMa, highlighting its potential as an effective educational tool. This research contributes to the field of early childhood education by providing empirical evidence supporting innovative, play-based instructional media. It also offers practical implications for educators seeking to enhance cognitive development through engaging and interactive learning environments.