The Use of Project-Based Learning on Early Childhood Financial Literacy Skills

International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science E-ISSN 2987-226X P-ISSN 2988-0076 Volume 3 Issue 01, January 2025, Pp. 273-282 DOI: https://doi.org/10.59653/ijmars.v3i01.1401 Copyright by Author The Use of Project-Based Learning on Early Childhood Financial Literacy Skills Syahrini Kalsum1, Rusmayadi2*, Muhammad Akil Musi3, Abdul Halik4 State University of Makassar, Indonesia1 State University of Makassar, Indonesia2 State University of Makassar, Indonesia3 State University of Makassar, Indonesia4 Corresponding Emil: * Received: 24-12-2024 Reviewed: 10-01-2025 Accepted: 25-01-2025 Abstract Literacy is a set of individual abilities and skills in reading, writing, speaking, counting, and problem-solving at a certain level of expertise required in everyday life. Basic literacy consists of 6 things, namely language literacy, numerization literacy, science literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and cultural/civic literacy. Financial literacy is education on how to manage finances wisely as needed. Financial literacy education is given to children from an early age with the hope that children are used to managing finances well so that they can be free from financial problems in the future and can achieve their welfare This research is an experimental research that aims to find out whether there is an influence of project-based learning on early childhood financial literacy skills. The data analysis technique is analyzed using the paired sample t-test technique. Based on the paired sample test results, a t-value of -16.412 was obtained with a significance value of 0.001 < 0.05. It can be concluded that project-based learning has a significant effect on early childhood financial literacy skills. Keywords: Early Childhood, Financial Literacy Skills, Project-Based Learning Introduction Literacy is a general term that refers to a set of individual abilities and skills in reading, writing, speaking, arithmetic, and problem-solving at a certain level of skill required in daily life (Aprita et al., 2023). The development of literacy for early childhood in the kindergarten environment is something that educators need to consider to optimize the development of children's intelligence and self-competence, such as critical and analytical thinking skills (Pramitasari et al., 2023). Literacy is a very important basic component in supporting the skills of 21st-century society. Basic literacy consists of 6 things, namely language literacy, numeration literacy, science literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and cultural/civic literacy. Financial literacy is education on how to manage finances wisely as needed(Revita 273 International Journal of Multidisciplinary Approach Research and Science Yanuarsari et al., 2023). Financial literacy education is provided to children from an early age with the hope that they will be used to managing finances well so that they can be free from financial problems in the future and can achieve their welfare. Financial literacy education in children is not just about the introduction of money(Mogelea et al., 2023), but furthermore financial literacy education in children is a concept about the introduction and management of finances wisely so that in the future children are able to control financial expenses by distinguishing which are needs and which are just desires (Rapih 2016). Literacy plays an important role for social and human development in its ability to change lives (Cone et al., 2022)v. The use of literacy as an exchange of knowledge will continue to grow along with technological advances. Financial literacy is important to be instilled from an early age because the financial knowledge and experience instilled will be internalized in children so that they form their character and habits of managing their finances in the future (Rohmadi 2023). From the results of these observations, this study wants to apply project-based learning, considering that the concept of meaningful learning for early childhood is play, where they will gain meaning by being directly involved in the learning process. Project-based learning is a learning method that is carried out in groups (Gold, 2022). Using project-based learning, children gain learning experience in various jobs and responsibilities that can be carried out in an integrated manner to achieve a common goal. Literature Review Financial Literacy Skills Financial literacy consists of two parts, namely literacy and finance. Literacy itself comes from the Latin word "literatus" which means a person who learns, in this case, literacy is very related to the process of reading and writing. Literacy can also be interpreted as a person's ability to process and understand information when reading and writing. (Diaz et al., 2022) Sevima (2020) states that literacy is a person's ability to process and understand information when reading and writing. Wikipedia in 2023, the National Institute for Literacy explains that what is meant by literacy is a person's ability to read, write, speak, count, and solve problems at the level of expertise required in work, family, and society. Literacy can also be interpreted as a set of real skills, specifically cognitive skills in reading and writing that are independent of the context in which the skill in question is acquired, from whom the skill is acquired and how to acquire it. Hapsari (2020) stated that financial literacy can be interpreted as the ability that a person has to understand and practice various aspects of finance, which includes general knowledge about finance, savings, loans, investments, financial planning so that they are able to manage their financial resources by making effective decisions about finance so that a prosperous life can be achieved. Furthermore, Iman (2022) stated that financial literacy is the knowledge and skills to apply an understanding of concepts and risks, skills in order to be able to make effective decisions in a financial context to improve financial well-being, both individual and social, and to be able to participate in the community environment. Based on some of the opinions 274 The Use of Project-Based Learning on Early Childhood Financial Literacy Skills above, it can be concluded that financial literacy skills are a person's skills and knowledge in regulating, knowing risks, and designing financial decisions so that the desired finances are well achieved in the future. (Ulfah & Asyiah, 2023) Basic Principles in Financial Literacy Imam (2022) stated five basic principles learned in financial literacy, namely 1) business or work, 2) shopping or consumption, 3) saving, 4) sharing, and 5) borrowing-borrowing. Parents and teachers are references and role models for children in developing financial literacy skills. Therefore, it is hoped that parents and teachers will be able to know, understand, and apply financial literacy in their daily lives. Able to practice a moderate or egahari (...truncated)