Teacher Strategies for Improving Learning Quality in an Integrated Islamic Kindergarten

Authors

  • Linda IlmayantiPostgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia
  • Nelly MarhayatiPostgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia
  • Adam NasutionPostgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Islamic Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Fatmawati Sukarno Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi-reg.org/10.88225/jpip.v19i2.87613

Abstract

Improving kindergarten learning requires coordination between developmentally appropriate teaching, institutional support, and family participation. This study describes teachers’ strategies for improving learning quality at TK IT Mutiara Cendekia, Lubuklinggau, and examines the conditions supporting and constraining their implementation. A qualitative descriptive design was employed during April–May 2026. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation involving one principal, four teachers, and four parents. Analysis followed data reduction, data display, and conclusion verification, with source triangulation used to compare perspectives. The findings identify an interconnected strategy comprising flexible planning, play and learning centres, differentiated assistance, concrete learning materials, Islamic habituation, continuous assessment, and parent communication. Teachers adapted activities to children’s interests, developmental differences, and fluctuating attention. Professional development, leadership, and a supportive environment facilitated implementation, while limited media variety and uneven family participation remained constraints. The study contributes a contextual account of how classroom adaptation and organisational support operate together. These findings describe perceived and observed improvements in learning processes rather than statistically established intervention effects.

Keywords: Teacher strategies; Learning quality; Kindergarten; Play; Partnerships

References

Bleses, D., Jensen, P., Slot, P., & Justice, L. (2020). Low-cost teacher-implemented intervention improves toddlers’ language and math skills. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 53, 64–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2020.03.001

Blewitt, C., Morris, H., Jackson, K., Barrett, H., Bergmeier, H., O’Connor, A., Mousa, A., Nolan, A., & Skouteris, H. (2020). Integrating health and educational perspectives to promote preschoolers’ social and emotional learning: Development of a multi-faceted program using an intervention mapping approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2), 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020575

Blewitt, C., O’Connor, A., Morris, H., Mousa, A., Bergmeier, H., Nolan, A., Jackson, K., Barrett, H., & Skouteris, H. (2020). Do curriculum-based social and emotional learning programs in early childhood education and care strengthen teacher outcomes? A systematic literature review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(3), 1049. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17031049

Brunsek, A., Rodrigues, M., Sokolovic, N., Borairi, S., Janmohamed, Z., Jenkins, J. M., & Perlman, M. (2024). Can a brief professional development improve early childhood educators’ responsivity and interaction quality in child care centers? A cluster randomized controlled trial. Early Education and Development, 35(5), 1014–1031. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2023.2274302

Buøen, E. S., Lekhal, R., Lydersen, S., Berg-Nielsen, T. S., & Drugli, M. B. (2021). Promoting the quality of teacher-toddler interactions: A randomized controlled trial of “Thrive by Three” in-service professional development in 187 Norwegian toddler classrooms. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, Article 778777. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778777

Clayback, K. A., Williford, A. P., & Vitiello, V. E. (2023). Identifying teacher beliefs and experiences associated with curriculum implementation fidelity in early childhood education. Prevention Science, 24(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-022-01414-z

Egert, F., Dederer, V., & Fukkink, R. G. (2020). The impact of in-service professional development on the quality of teacher-child interactions in early education and care: A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 29, Article 100309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.100309

Hooper, A., Potts, C., & Walton, M. (2023). Novice early childhood teachers’ perceptions of their professional development experiences: an interpretive phenomenological approach. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education, 44(3), 310–329. https://doi.org/10.1080/10901027.2022.2043495

Hu, B. Y., Guan, L., LoCasale-Crouch, J., Yuan, Y., & Guo, M. (2022). Effects of the MMCI course and coaching on pre-service ECE teachers’ beliefs, knowledge, and skill. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 61, 58–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2022.05.008

Hunter, L. J., & Bierman, K. L. (2021). Implementing a school readiness intervention in community-based childcare centers: Director and teacher perceptions. Early Education and Development, 32(8), 1153–1173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2020.1833162

Kats Gold, I., Kopelman-Rubin, D., Mufson, L., & Klomek, A. B. (2021). I Can Succeed for Preschools: A randomized control trial of a new social-emotional learning program. Early Education and Development, 32(3), 343–359. https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2020.1755777

Larose, M. P., Ouellet-Morin, I., Vergunst, F., Vitaro, F., Girard, A., Tremblay, R. E., Brendgen, M., & Côté, S. M. (2020). Examining the impact of a social skills training program on preschoolers’ social behaviors: a cluster-randomized controlled trial in child care centers. BMC Psychology, 8(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00408-2

LoCasale-Crouch, J., Romo-Escudero, F., Clayback, K., Whittaker, J., Hamre, B., & Melo, C. (2023). Results from a randomized trial of the effective classroom interactions for toddler educators professional development intervention. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 65, 217–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2023.06.005

Marlina, Qomarudin, M., Hasan, S., Tasdiq, & Yovillia (2024). Persepsi guru dan adaptasi terhadap perubahan kurikulum. Al-I'tibar : Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 11(2), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.30599/jpia.v11i2.3520

Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Sage.

Nuraeni, C., Nuroniah, P., & Hendriawan, D. (2025). Persepsi guru PAUD terhadap implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka Belajar di pendidikan anak usia dini. Aulad: Journal on Early Childhood, 8(1), 216–227. https://doi.org/10.31004/aulad.v8i1.982

Pfeiffer, D., Feuerstein, J., Herman, D., & Landa, R. (2022). Early childhood providers’ perceptions of effective professional development components. Infants & Young Children, 35(3), 248–263. https://doi.org/10.1097/iyc.0000000000000217

Pyle, A., DeLuca, C., Wickstrom, H., & Danniels, E. (2022). Connecting kindergarten teachers’ play-based learning profiles and their classroom assessment practices. Teaching and Teacher Education, 119, Article 103855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2022.103855

Rüdisüli, C., Duss, I., Lannen, P., & Wustmann Seiler, C. (2024). Relations between teacher– child interaction quality and children’s playfulness. Early Child Development and Care, 194(7-8), 883–897. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2024.2356242

Skene, K., O’Farrelly, C. M., Byrne, E. M., Kirby, N., Stevens, E. C., & Ramchandani, P. G. (2022). Can guidance during play enhance children’s learning and development in educational contexts? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Child Development, 93(4), 1162– 1180. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13730

Strasser, K., Balladares, J., Grau, V., Marín, A., Preiss, D. D., & Jadue, D. (2024). Playfulness and the quality of classroom interactions in preschool. Learning and Instruction, 93, Article 101941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.learninstruc.2024.101941

Triasmanto, M., & Dewi, L. (2019). Analisis terhadap faktor-faktor determinan dalam https://doi.org/10.21831/jpipfip.v12i1.20144

von Suchodoletz, A., Lee, D. S., Henry, J., Tamang, S., Premachandra, B., & Yoshikawa, H. (2023). Early childhood education and care quality and associations with child outcomes: A meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 18(5), Article e0285985. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285985

Downloads

Published

2026

How to Cite

Ilmayanti, L., Marhayati, N., & Nasution, A. (2026). Teacher Strategies for Improving Learning Quality in an Integrated Islamic Kindergarten. Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Pendidikan, 19(2), 233–244. https://doi.org/10.88225/jpip.v19i2.87613

Citation Check