Using Smart Box Media to Improve IPAS Learning Outcomes on the Environmental Care Topic among Grade IV Students at an Islamic Primary School

Abstract

This study was motivated by the low learning outcomes of students in the Natural and Social Sciences (IPAS) subject specifically regarding the "Environmental Care" topic at Nurul Hidayah Sungai Bengkal (Grade IV). Instruction was predominantly lecture-based, resulting in students who were passive and unmotivated, and who struggled to grasp concepts related to environmental conservation. One alternative to address this issue is the use of "Smart Box" learning media an interactive, box-shaped tool containing various cards, images, questions, and activities that allow students to learn through play. This study aims to improve IPAS learning outcomes by implementing the Smart Box medium for the "Environmental Care" topic. The research employed the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method based on the Kemmis and McTaggart model, comprising two cycles. Each cycle consisted of planning, action implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The research subjects were 25 fourth-grade students at Nurul Hidayah Sungai Bengkal. Data collection techniques included learning outcome tests, observation, documentation, and field notes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically by calculating average scores and the percentage of learning mastery. The results indicate that the implementation of the Smart Box medium successfully improved student learning outcomes incrementally. Beyond boosting academic scores, the Smart Box medium also enhanced student engagement, cooperation, motivation, and participation during the learning process. Improvements in learning outcomes were evident in the students' average scores across the various research stages. In the pre-cycle stage, the average score was 62,40, falling below the Minimum Mastery Criterion of 70. Following the implementation of the Smart Box medium in Cycle I, the average score rose to 73,60. In Cycle II, the average score increased further to 84,80. These results demonstrate a significant improvement from the pre-cycle stage to Cycle II. Thus, the Smart Box medium serves as an effective alternative for improving IPAS learning outcomes regarding "Environmental Care" in primary schools.