“Science learning for young children (age 4 – 6 years) will be more successful when using the inquiry-based scientific approach.” This statement was the conclusion agreed to by 47 tutors who were participants in the Science Education Training for Early Childhood in Tanjung Pandan, Bangka-Belitung Province, on 28 April-1 May 2014.
The training was conducted by Pusat Pengembangan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Nasional Indonesia (PP PAUDNI, the National Centre for Development of Early Childhood Education). Ms Eka Danti Agustiani was invited as a facilitator representing SEAMEO QITEP in Science.
The training aimed to increase early childhood education tutors’ ingenuity in using local resources as materials for science learning. Various innovative inquiry-based science learning ideas involving Belitung’s environment were produced in the form of lesson plans and then presented by participants as micro teaching methods, such as making pempek (a type of snack), salted fish, and racing paper boats.
Science education that directly relates to students’ environment is the most effective method of teaching as it enables children to apply their learning to their own lives and therefore will hopefully instil scientific attitudes and a love of science.
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