Integrating Literacy and STEAM in Early Childhood Education in Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study of Module Effectiveness.
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Abstract
The integration of literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) in early childhood education has become increasingly important in supporting the goals of Indonesia’s Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar. However, practical learning resources that effectively combine these domains remain limited in preschool settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Literacy and STEAM Learning Module developed using the ADDIE instructional design model. A quasi-experimental research design was employed involving four teachers and 60 preschool children from two preschools in Indonesia. Each school provided one treatment class and one control class, with 15 children in each classroom. Teachers in the treatment group participated in a one-week training program before implementing the module over a 12-week period, while the control group continued conventional instructional practices. Data were collected through a performance-based assessment instrument designed to measure children’s literacy and STEAM competencies using an assessment-for-learning approach. The findings revealed a significant difference in post-test scores between the treatment and control groups (t = 2.13, p < .001). Significant improvements were also found within the treatment group (t = -15.37, p < .001). These results indicate that the module effectively enhanced preschoolers’ literacy and STEAM competencies while promoting active, play-based, and culturally responsive learning. The study provides empirical support for integrating literacy and STEAM in early childhood education and offers a scalable resource for curriculum innovation in Indonesia...
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