IJORER : International Journal of Recent Educational Research
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025): March

Transforming Pedagogy with Digital Games: Tapak Nusantara as a Tool for Early Childhood Critical Thinking Development

Kartika Rinakit Adhe (State University of Surabaya, Surabaya)
Mustaji Mustaji (State University of Surabaya, Surabaya)
Andi Kristanto (State University of Surabaya, Surabaya)
Suryanti Suryanti (State University of Surabaya, Surabaya)
Priyadarshini Muthukrishnan (International University, Nilai)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Mar 2025

Abstract

Objective: This study explores pedagogical transformation in early childhood education through digital game-based learning by developing Tapak Nusantara, a digital adaptation of the traditional crankle game. Integrating pedagogical principles in game-based learning is crucial for fostering critical thinking in young learners. This research bridges cultural pedagogy with digital learning, ensuring children acquire meaningful educational experiences while preserving Indonesian culture. Method: This research is development research with a 4D model approach. The subjects of this study were 53 children in IT Nada Ashobah kindergarten class B and Labschool Unesa kindergarten class B. Results: This study showed a significant difference between the crankle traditional and crankle traditional games. The results of this study showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores in both the Nada Ashobah IT Kindergarten (t = -8.494, p < 0.001) and Labschool (t = -5.783, p < 0.001) groups, which indicated the effectiveness of the game in improving children's critical thinking. Novelty: This research lies in three key contributions: (1) the pedagogical innovation of integrating game-base learning with cultural education, (2) the digital transformation of a traditional game into a developmentally appropriate learning tool, and (3) Tapak Nusantara representative culture, pedagogy, and technology to cultivate critical thinking for early childhood.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijorer

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

IJORER is an international journal (double-blind peer review) that focuses on Recent Educational Research. The journal concerns in Recent Educational Research accepts articles in the field of Education: instruction, learning, teaching, curriculum development, learning environments, teacher ...