Game-Based Learning Model Assisted by Board Game Media to Improve Problem-Solving Skills of Elementary School Students

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of the game-based learning (GBL) model assisted by board game media on the mathematical problem-solving abilities of fifth-grade students at SD Al-Azhar 2 Bandar Lampung. This research is motivated by the still low mathematical problem-solving skills of students and the need for a more concrete, interactive, and enjoyable learning model. The method used is quantitative with a quasi-experimental approach through a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 55 students divided into an experimental class (28 students) who received the GBL model treatment assisted by board games, and a control class (27 students) who received a problem-based learning model treatment. Data were collected through an essay test on problem-solving skills that had been tested for validity, reliability, difficulty level, and discrimination power, and then analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, the test Levene's homogeneity test and hypothesis testing with an Independent Sample T-Test were conducted. The analysis results showed that the data from both groups were normally distributed and homogeneous, while the hypothesis test obtained a t-value of -6.541 with a significance of <0.001 (<0.05), so H₀ was rejected and H₁ accepted. The average posttest score of the experimental class was 78.12, higher than the control class which scored 77.66. Therefore, it can be concluded that the GBL learning model assisted by board game media significantly affects the mathematical problem-solving skills of fifth-grade elementary school students, making it a viable alternative as an innovative mathematics learning model at the elementary level.