Effectiveness of Joyful Learning Using Tahfidz Cards on Al-Qur'an Memorization Ability and Happiness of Kindergarten Students

Abstract One important aspect of early childhood education is the introduction to and memorization of the Qur'an, which plays a role in cognitive development and the formation of religious character. However, conventional and rigid learning approaches often cause children to feel bored and unmotivated to memorize. To overcome this, a fun approach is needed, such as joyful learning. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the joyful learning approach using tahfidz cards in improving the Quran memorization ability and happiness of kindergarten students. This study used a quasi-experimental method with a non-randomized pretest-posttest control group design. The subjects consisted of 34 kindergarten students in Medan City, divided into two groups: experimental and control, each with 17 students. Data were collected through a Quran memorization test and a children's happiness scale, then analyzed using the paired sample t-test and independent t-test. The results indicate that the joyful learning approach significantly improves memorization ability (t = 11.830, p = 0.000) and student happiness (t = 7.062, p = 0.000). The average increase in memorization was 17.706 points and happiness was 9.353 points. This study emphasizes the importance of joyful learning in supporting children's potential and emotional well-being. Abstrak Salah satu aspek penting dalam pendidikan anak usia dini adalah pengenalan dan penghafalan Al-Qur'an, yang berperan dalam pengembangan kognitif sekaligus pembentukan karakter religius. Namun, pendekatan pembelajaran yang konvensional dan kaku sering menyebabkan anak merasa bosan dan kurang termotivasi dalam menghafal. Untuk mengatasi hal tersebut, diperlukan pendekatan yang menyenangkan, seperti joyful learning. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji efektivitas pendekatan joyful learning dengan media kartu tahfidz dalam meningkatkan kemampuan menghafal Al-Qur'an dan kebahagiaan (happiness) siswa TK. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode quasi-experimental dengan desain non-randomized pretest-posttest control group. Subjek penelitian terdiri dari 34 siswa TK di Kota Medan yang dibagi menjadi dua kelompok: eksperimen dan kontrol, masing-masing 17 siswa. Data dikumpulkan melalui tes menghafal Al-Qur'an dan skala kebahagiaan anak, lalu dianalisis dengan paired sample t-test dan independent t-test. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa pendekatan joyful learning secara signifikan meningkatkan kemampuan menghafal (t = 11.830, p = 0.000) dan kebahagiaan siswa (t = 7.062, p = 0.000). Peningkatan rata-rata menghafal mencapai 17.706 poin dan kebahagiaan sebesar 9.353 poin. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya pembelajaran yang menyenangkan untuk mendukung potensi dan kesejahteraan emosional anak. Kata kunci: Pembelajaran Menyenangkan; Kebahagiaan; Kemampuan menghafal Al – Qur’an