PENGARUH KREATIVITAS GURU DALAM PENGGUNAAN MEDIA MANIPULATIF TERHADAP KEAKTIFAN SISWA DAN VARIASI METODE PEMBELAJARAN DI TK TZU CHI

Abstract

This study examines the effect of teachers’ creativity in using manipulative media on students’ activeness, as well as the influence of teaching method variations on teachers’ creativity in early childhood mathematics learning at Tzu Chi Early Childhood and Tzu Chi Ren Wen Preschool. The study employed a quantitative correlational research design. The sample consisted of 30 kindergarten teachers selected through a total sampling method. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that measured teachers’ creativity based on the diversity, frequency, innovation, and effectiveness of manipulative media use, as well as students’ activeness in number learning. Instrument validity and reliability were tested before data analysis, yielding a high reliability coefficient of 0.90. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple regression analysis supported by descriptive statistics. The results indicate a significant relationship between teachers’ creativity in using manipulative media and students’ activeness, with an R-squared value of 98.3%, suggesting a strong contribution of teacher creativity to student engagement. In addition, teaching method variations significantly influence teachers’ creativity, with an R Square value of 98.54%. These findings highlight the importance of innovative teaching practices in early childhood mathematics. The study recommends strengthening professional development programs, teacher collaboration, and reflective practices to enhance creativity in designing and utilizing manipulative media, thereby fostering more active and meaningful learning experiences for young children.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kreativitas guru dalam penggunaan media manipulatif terhadap keaktifan siswa serta pengaruh variasi metode pembelajaran terhadap kreativitas guru dalam pembelajaran matematika anak usia dini di Tzu Chi Early Childhood dan Tzu Chi Ren Wen Preschool. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kuantitatif dengan pendekatan korelasional. Sampel penelitian terdiri atas 30 guru Taman Kanak-kanak (TK) yang dipilih menggunakan teknik total sampling. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui angket terstruktur yang mengukur kreativitas guru berdasarkan keanekaragaman, frekuensi, inovasi, dan efektivitas penggunaan media manipulatif, serta keaktifan siswa dalam pembelajaran angka. Uji validitas dan reliabilitas instrumen menunjukkan kualitas alat ukur yang sangat baik dengan koefisien reliabilitas sebesar 0,90. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan meliputi statistik deskriptif dan analisis regresi sederhana serta berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya hubungan signifikan antara kreativitas guru dalam menggunakan media manipulatif dan keaktifan siswa dengan nilai R Square sebesar 98,3%. Selain itu, variasi metode pembelajaran juga berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kreativitas guru dengan nilai R Square sebesar 98,54%. Temuan ini menegaskan pentingnya pengembangan kreativitas guru dalam pembelajaran matematika anak usia dini. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini merekomendasikan peningkatan pelatihan profesional, kolaborasi antarguru, dan inovasi pembelajaran untuk menciptakan proses belajar yang lebih aktif, kreatif, dan bermakna