Ministry promotes meaningful learning in early childhood education through deep learning

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen) is successfully implementing meaningful learning in early childhood education (PAUD) through a deep learning approach. Deputy Minister of Basic and Secondary Education Atip Latipulhayat stated that deep learning is being introduced in kindergartens through various learning experiences that encourage children to actively observe, ask questions, explore, and collaborate. This effort aims to build a foundation for meaningful learning while developing character, creativity, and critical thinking skills from an early age. “With deep learning, we want to create an environment where students are more active in constructing their own understanding, while teachers act as facilitators who guide them in finding answers,” Atip said in a written statement in Central Jakarta on Thursday. This deep learning practice has been applied in several kindergartens, including TK Gagas Ceria in Bandung, West Java. The school’s principal, Catur, explained that the approach involves inviting children to observe, ask questions, try various possibilities, discuss, and reflect on their experiences. To achieve this, TK Gagas Ceria regularly presents project-based and exploratory learning that is close to children’s daily lives. A similar practice is also implemented by the principal of TK Bunda Ganesha, Susi Hindayani, who explained that teachers create an engaging learning environment and pose thought-provoking questions to encourage children to think more deeply. “Our success indicators refer to holistic development through the achievement of learning outcomes and the eight dimensions of the graduate profile,” she said. One example is the ‘World of Reptiles’ project, where children observe reptiles, discuss their habitats and care, and then design and create a diorama in groups. Through this activity, children learn to share, collaborate, make decisions, develop visual-spatial skills, and cultivate empathy for living creatures and pride in their work.