Al Ishlah Jurnal Pendidikan
Vol 17, No 2 (2025): JUNE 2025

Fostering Critical Thinking in Early Childhood: An Experimental Study on Loose Parts Media in Kindergarten

Astri Purwanti (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Rakimahwati Rakimahwati (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Farida Mayar (Universitas Negeri Padang)
Setiyo Utoyo (Universitas Negeri Padang)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 May 2025

Abstract

Critical thinking, a higher-order cognitive skill, is essential in forming reliable decisions. In early childhood education, integrating developmentally appropriate methods such as Loose Parts play has the potential to foster creativity and critical thinking. This study explores the impact of Loose Parts media on the critical thinking abilities of children aged 5–6 years at Tunas Harapan Kindergarten, Tambang District, Kampar Regency. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group structure was employed. The sample consisted of 20 children divided equally into an experimental group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). The experimental group engaged in activities involving Loose Parts, while the control group followed conventional methods. Critical thinking skills were assessed before and after the intervention. Analysis using ANOVA revealed a significant improvement in the critical thinking skills of the experimental group. The calculated F-value was 6.122, with a significance value of 0.024 (df = 1, α = 0.05). These results indicate a statistically significant effect of Loose Parts media on the development of critical thinking. The findings support the hypothesis that Loose Parts play promotes critical thinking in early learners. The significant difference observed highlights the potential of this approach as an effective educational strategy in early childhood development.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

alishlah

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Other

Description

This journal focuses on advancing scholarly research and critical discourse in the field of education. It publishes original research articles that address contemporary issues and emerging trends in curriculum development, instructional practices, learning processes, educational policy, and teacher ...