The Influence of Board Games on Junior High School Students' Learning Outcomes in Food Chain Material

Abstract

education are used to increase student engagement and learning outcomes. This study aims to analyze the effect of using board games on junior high school students' learning outcomes in food chain material. The study was conducted at SMP Negeri 20 Kota Bengkulu using a quasi-experimental method and a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 60 eighth-grade students, divided into two groups: the experimental group and the control group. The results showed that the average pretest score of the experimental class increased from 48.50 to 71.50 on the posttest, while the control class increased from 47.00 to 55.50. The independent t-test results showed a Sig. (2-tailed) value of 0.001 < 0.05, which means that there was a significant difference in the use of media on learning outcomes. The use of this medium is an effective pedagogical strategy that combines cognitive, affective, and social elements to deepen understanding of the food chain concept. Learning is not just memorization, but also the construction of meaningful ecological concepts.  Students in the experimental class that used board games also showed higher interest in learning, were more active in discussions, and found it easier to understand the order of organisms in the food chain. Thus, the use of board games has been proven effective in improving learning outcomes while fostering enthusiasm among students in understanding the concept of the food chain.