DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL PUZZLE MEDIA ASSISTED BY THE PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING (PBL) MODEL TO IMPROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' DECISION-MAKING SKILLS

Abstract

This study aimed to develop digital puzzle media assisted by the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model, determine its feasibility and effectiveness, and examine student responses to its use in improving elementary school students' decision-making skills. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach based on the Borg and Gall model, which was adapted into eight operational stages. Participants were Grade IV elementary school students in Cimahi and Bandung. Data were collected through interviews, observations, expert validation sheets, decision-making tests, and student response questionnaires, and were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive techniques. The results showed that the developed media was highly feasible, with validation scores of 98% from the media expert and 100% from the subject-matter expert. Effectiveness testing consistently showed significant differences between pretest and posttest scores (p < .001). The N-Gain scores were 0.41 in the limited trial, 0.43 in the broader trial, and 0.41 in the effectiveness trial, all within the moderate improvement category. Student responses across the three stages were generally very positive. These findings indicate that integrating digital puzzle activities with PBL can provide an interactive problem-solving environment that supports students in analyzing information, considering alternatives, and making decisions during elementary school learning.