PENGARUH PENERAPAN MEDIA PUZZLE TEMATIK DALAM MENINGKATKAN DAYA INGAT SISWA PADA MATERI SILSILAH KELUARGA

Abstract

Low memory retention in family tree materials at the elementary school level is often caused by abstract and passive teaching methods. This study aims to examine the effect of implementing thematic puzzle media on the memory retention of 3rd-grade students at MI Margasari 01 in Science and Social Studies (IPAS). Using a quasi-experimental method with a non-equivalent control group design, this study involved 60 students divided into experimental and control groups. Data were collected through test instruments (pre-test, post-test, and retention test). The results showed a significant increase in the experimental group, with an average post-test score of 88.65 and a retention score one week later remaining stable at 85.20. In contrast, the control group experienced a sharp decline in retention to 61.45. The N-Gain analysis of 0.76 indicates that the effectiveness of this media is in the high category. The study concludes that tactile-spatial engagement through manipulative media strengthens synaptic pathways and facilitates information transfer into long-term memory. These findings recommend using thematic puzzle media as an innovative solution to overcome cognitive barriers in elementary school learning.