STRENGTHENING CHILDREN'S INTEREST IN LITERACY AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH THE READING CORNER PROGRAM

Abstract

Abstrak: Pengembangan literasi anak merupakan aspek penting dalam membangun kemampuan berpikir kritis, kreativitas, dan pembelajaran sepanjang hayat. Namun, di banyak wilayah pedesaan di Indonesia, upaya menumbuhkan kebiasaan membaca pada anak masih menghadapi berbagai kendala, seperti terbatasnya akses terhadap bahan bacaan dan kurang memadainya fasilitas literasi. Program ini bertujuan meningkatkan minat literasi serta memperkenalkan konsep sains dan teknologi kepada anak-anak dengan harapan mampu meningkatkan pengetahuan dan pemikiran kritis anak-anak. Program ini melibatkan 30 peserta yang terdiri atas siswa sekolah dasar dan sekolah menengah pertama dengan menggunakan pendekatan pembelajaran partisipatif dan berbasis masyarakat. Kegiatan yang dilakukan meliputi identifikasi kebutuhan, penyediaan pojok baca beserta buku bacaan sesuai usia, pendampingan membaca, sosialisasi pentingnya literasi, demonstrasi media pembelajaran digital, permainan edukatif berbasis STEM, serta evaluasi melalui observasi, pre-test dan post-test yang masing-masing terdiri atas 10 soal mengenai literasi dan pemahaman sains dan teknologi, serta kuesioner kepuasan peserta kepuasan peserta. Hasil kegiatan menunjukkan adanya peningkatan yang signifikan pada hasil belajar peserta, dengan nilai rata-rata meningkat dari 58,7 sebelum program menjadi 87,3 setelah program, atau meningkat sebesar 28,6 poin (48,7%). Tingkat kepuasan peserta mencapai 97%, sedangkan 98% peserta menyatakan bersedia mengikuti kegiatan serupa pada masa mendatang.

Abstract: Developing children’s literacy is a crucial aspect of fostering critical thinking skills, creativity, and lifelong learning. However, in many rural areas of Indonesia, efforts to cultivate reading habits among children still face various challenges, such as limited access to reading materials and inadequate literacy facilities. This program aims to increase interest in literacy and introduce concepts of science and technology to children, with the hope of enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking skills. The program involves 30 participants, consisting of elementary and middle school students, and employs a participatory, community-based learning approach. Activities included needs assessment, the provision of reading corners equipped with age-appropriate books, reading guidance, outreach on the importance of literacy, demonstrations of digital learning tools, STEM-based educational games, and evaluation through observation, pre-tests, and post-tests each consisting of 10 questions on literacy and understanding of science and technology as well as a participant satisfaction questionnaire. The results of the program showed a significant improvement in participants’ learning outcomes, with the average score rising from 58.7 before the program to 87.3 after the program an increase of 28.6 points (48.7%). Participant satisfaction reached 97%, while 98% of participants expressed a willingness to participate in future activities. The results of the program showed a significant improvement in participants’ learning outcomes, with the average score rising from 58.7 before the program to 87.3 after the program an increase of 28.6 points (48.7%). Participant satisfaction reached 97%, while 98% of participants expressed a willingness to participate in similar activities in the future.