Efektivitas Metode Belajar Bekerjasama Dalam Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Pada Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun = Effectivity of Cooperative Learning Method Within Problem Solving Ability on Children Age 5-6 Years Old

ABSTRACT This research conducted to prove the effectiveness of cooperative learning method in developing problem solving skill by tangram puzzle for preschool children age 5-6 years old. When it was proven, then conducted second test to find out the rank of effectiveness among three pairs that divided based on ability: novice-novice, novice-expert and expert-expert. The background was presented, because according to observation early childhood education in Indonesia less concerned in developing problem solving skill than developing reading, mathematic and writing. Therefore, it was necessary to find out appropriate method in developing problem solving skill for early childhood education. Pretest-posttest controlled group design used as research design. Data collected by measuring precision and time consume in accomplished tangrain puzzle models. The quantitative analysis for posttest score with t-test showed that cooperative learning method effective in developing problem solving skill (p= 0,000). Experimental groups mean was 69,148 and control groups mean was 65,150. Analysis result for posttest time with t-test also showed that cooperative learning method more effective than individual (p =0,035). The next analysis showed that there were no significant different among three pairs (p=0,453 and p=0,636). It indicated that problem solving skill variance in a group had no significant effect in cooperative learning method. Key words: cooperative learning -- individual learning -- problem solving skil