Research and Development in Education (RaDEn)
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025): December

Deep learning pedagogy to boost motivation and early numeracy–literacy in Indonesian early childhood education

Siti Hamidah (Department of Pedagogy, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia)
Ria Arista Asih (Department of Pedagogy, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia)
Ermanu Azizul Hakim (Department of Pedagogy, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, Indonesia)
Nova Ariani (Critical Studies in Education, Faculty of Arts and Education, The University of Auckland, New Zealand)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Dec 2025

Abstract

Early-childhood education requires learning experiences that are emotionally engaging and contextually meaningful to support emergent literacy–numeracy. This study examines how Deep Learning (mindful, meaningful, and joyful learning) is implemented in a preschool setting and how it relates to children’s learning motivation and numeracy–literacy. A qualitative descriptive case study was conducted at TK ‘Aisyiyah II Banyuwangi, Indonesia, involving 20 children, two teachers, and one principal. Data were gathered through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation and were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model (reduction–display–verification). Implementation through a Mini-Market Project was associated with stronger intrinsic motivation (enthusiasm, focus, independence) and observable gains in recognizing numbers/symbols, simple words, and money values within a playful and contextual environment. Teacher adaptability, institutional support, and parent collaboration emerged as key enabling factors. Deep Learning pedagogy is feasible for early-childhood classrooms and can strengthen motivation and emergent numeracy–literacy when embedded in authentic projects aligned with the Merdeka Curriculum and ESD-oriented learning goals.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

raden

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

Research and Development in Education is a scientific journal that aims at publishing research results and review in Research and Development of education in various science fields. Research and Development results can be in classroom-oriented, product-oriented, and system-oriented perspectives ...