Improving Grade VI Students' Learning Outcomes Through The STAD Cooperative Learning Model in A Small Rural School

Abstrak

This research was conducted in response to the low Natural Science (IPA) learning outcomes in Class VI at SD Kecil Raranum Balangan, as evidenced by a pre-cycle class average score of 62.00 — below the established Minimum Mastery Criteria (KKM) of 75. The primary problems identified included students' reluctance to express opinions, a weak ability to formulate independent ideas, and an absence of classroom discussion culture. This study aims to describe the implementation of the STAD (Student Teams-Achievement Division) cooperative learning model, analyse improvements in student learning outcomes, and examine improvements in student learning activity across action cycles. This classroom action research was conducted at SD Kecil Raranum, Tebing Tinggi District, Balangan Regency, involving all 10 Class VI students (6 male, 4 female) in the 2025/2026 academic year. The study was carried out in three cycles following Kemmis and McTaggart's spiral design, encompassing planning, action, observation, and reflection phases. Data were analysed descriptively using mean evaluation scores, KKM attainment percentages, and student activity percentages. Results indicate that the mean evaluation score increased from 70.91 in Cycle I to 74.09 in Cycle II and reached 85.45 in Cycle III. KKM attainment improved from 50.00% (5 out of 10 students) to 80.00% (8 out of 10students), then to 90.00% (9 out of 10 students). Student activity increased from 58.33% to 75.00%, reaching 100% in Cycle III. These findings indicate that STAD-based cooperative learning was associated with improvements in both student learning outcomes and engagement during the action cycles.