IMPLEMENTASI PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KOMPETENSI CALON GURU PAUD DI UNIVERSITAS MERANGIN

Abstract

The development of learning media is one of the important competencies that Early Childhood Education (ECE) teacher candidates need to possess. Appropriate learning media can support meaningful, concrete, interactive, and enjoyable learning experiences for young children. However, prospective ECE teachers still face various challenges in designing and developing creative learning media that are aligned with learning objectives and children's developmental characteristics. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge, skills, creativity, and ability of ECE teacher candidates in developing innovative learning media. The activity was conducted at Universitas Merangin and involved students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Teacher Education program. The activity employed a participatory approach consisting of preparation, material presentation, demonstration, media development practice, product presentation, evaluation, and reflection. The training materials covered the concept of ECE learning media, principles for selecting appropriate media, the utilization of simple and locally available materials, development of concrete learning media, and the use of digital technology in learning. The results indicated that the training positively contributed to participants' understanding and practical skills. Participants were able to design and produce learning media that were more creative, educational, safe, attractive, and appropriate to children's developmental needs. The activity demonstrates that practice-based training combined with mentoring can be an effective strategy for preparing competent and innovative future ECE teachers.