Enhancing focus and self-control through traditional games in elementary school physical education

Novita Nur Synthiawati; Zakaria Wahyu Hidayat

doi:10.26740/bimaloka.v6i2.54082

Authors

Novita Nur Synthiawati Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Jombang
Zakaria Wahyu Hidayat Physical Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas PGRI Jombang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26740/bimaloka.v6i2.54082

Keywords:

traditional games, focus, self-control, elementary school students, physical education

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of traditional games in improving focus and self-control among fifth-grade elementary school students. A quantitative approach with a one-group pretest-posttest design was employed. The participants consisted of 30 fifth-grade students from Grogol 1 State Elementary School, Diwek, Jombang. Data were collected using validated questionnaires measuring students' focus and self-control, which were administered before (pretest) and after (posttest) the implementation of traditional game-based activities. Data were analyzed using a paired-samples t-test to determine differences between pretest and posttest scores. The findings revealed that traditional games significantly improved students' focus and self-control (p < 0.001). For the focus variable, the paired-samples t-test showed a mean difference of −12.369 (t = −31.315, p < 0.001). Similarly, self-control demonstrated a mean difference of −28.696 (t = −78.220, p < 0.001). The negative mean differences indicate that posttest scores were significantly higher than pretest scores for both variables. These improvements can be attributed to the characteristics of traditional games, which require sustained attention, compliance with rules, cooperation, emotional regulation, and social interaction throughout gameplay. In conclusion, traditional games are an effective instructional strategy for enhancing elementary school students' focus and self-control. Integrating traditional games into physical education classes may support students' cognitive, social, and emotional development while creating a more engaging and enjoyable learning environment.

References

Ayuningtyas, E. E., Hidayat, S., & Lutfi, N. (2025). Pengaruh permainan tradisional engklek terhadap self control peserta didik. Jurnal Abmas, 24(1), 57–66.

Bulten, R., Bedard, C., Graham, J. D., & Cairney, J. (2022). Effect of cognitively engaging physical activity on executive functions in children. August, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.841192

Hadi, F. (2025). The Relationship Between Self Control And Students’trunity Behavior At Sman 10 Merangin. Jurnal Ilmiah Konseling Pendidikan, 4(2).

Haryadi, H. (2017). Efektifitas Strategi Pengajaran Edutainment Dengan Metode Picture And Picture Terhadap Konsentrasi Belajar Matematika Materi Pokok Himpunan Pada Siswa Kelas Vii Mts. Darussalam Bermi Tahun Pelajaran 2016/2017. Jurnal Ilmiah Mandala Education, 3(2), 81–98.

Hillman, A. C. H., & Pontifex, M. B. (2014). Effects of the FITKids Randomized Controlled Trial on Executive Control and Brain Function. PEDIATRICS, 134(4), 1063–1071. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-3219

Irmansyah, J., Lumintuarso, R., Sugiyanto, F., & Sukoco, P. (2020). Children’s Social Skills Through Traditional Sport Games In Primary Schools. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 39(1), 39–53. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v39i1.28210

Iswinarti, & Suminar, D. R. (2019). Improving Children’s Problem-Solving Skills Through Javanese Traditional Games. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 38(3), 578–589. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v38i3.25331

Kurniawan, W. P., & Zawawi, M. A. (2017). Pengenalan Permainan Tradisional Goteng ( Gobak Sodor Dan Bentengan ) Untuk Membangun Karakter Pendahuluan Mata pelajaran penjasorkes sangat penting diajarkan pada sekolah dasar . Penjasorkes merupakan bagian integral dari pendidikan secara keseluruhan ya. Jurnal Pembelajaran Olahraga, 3.

Prastyo, A. (2024). Hubungan Antara Kontrol Diri Dan Kecerdasan Emosional Terhadap Agresivitas Pada Atlet Pencak Silat Ipsi Di Sentra Sleman.

Schmidt, M., Jäger, K., Egger, F., Roebers, C. M., & Conzelmann, A. (2015). Cognitively Engaging Chronic Physical Activity , But Not Aerobic Exercise , Affects Executive Functions in Primary School Children : A Group-Randomized Controlled Trial. 575–591.

Setiawan, Hariyani, Juniarta, C. and U. and, Ilmawati, T. and, Hilda and Kurniawan, A. A. and N., & Efa. (2025). Panduan mata pelajaran pendidikan jasmani, olahraga, dan kesehatan: fase A-F SD/MI/Program Paket A, SMP/MTs/Program Paket B, SMA/MA/Program Paket C, dan SMK/MAK. Badan Standar, Kurikulum dan Asesmen Pendidikan.