Insights: Journal of Primary Education Research
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Insights: Journal of Primary Education Research

The Effectiveness of the Gobak Sodor Game-Based Unplugged Coding Model in Improving Computational Thinking Skills Among Fifth-Grade Students

Tegar Arif Saputra (Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Intan Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2025

Abstract

Computational thinking skills are an important competency for elementary school students, but their implementation still faces limitations in digital resources and the need for concrete and contextual learning models. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the unplugged coding model based on the traditional game Gobak Sodor in improving the computational thinking skills of fifth-grade students. This study used a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method through a nonequivalent pretest–posttest control group design. The study sample consisted of 56 students divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected using a computational thinking ability essay test that included indicators of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithm design, and debugging. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANCOVA with pretest scores as covariates. The results showed that the experimental group achieved a higher increase in computational thinking skills than the control group. The ANCOVA results showed that the Gobak Sodor-based unplugged coding model had a significant effect on students' computational thinking skills (F = 49.834; p < 0.001), with a large effect size (partial eta squared = 0.485; Cohen's d = 1.12). Thus, the unplugged coding model based on the traditional game Gobak Sodor is effective in improving elementary school students' computational thinking skills compared to conventional learning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

insights

Publisher

Subject

Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Social Sciences Other

Description

Insights: Journal of Primary Education Research is published by the Insan Mulia Bima Foundation. Indonesian Education Ideas is a peer-reviewed journal published in Indonesia. Insights: Journal of Primary Education Research contains research publications in the field of basic education and early ...