Development and validation of the AJI LESTARI training module for fine motor stimulation in early childhood education

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and validate a needs-based teacher training framework, operationalised through the AJI LESTARI Module, to strengthen teachers' competence in stimulating fine motor development in early childhood education (ECE). The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model, comprising analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The module was evaluated by three expert validators, followed by a limited trial involving 15 ECE teachers and a large-scale field trial involving 25 ECE teachers. An in-depth classroom implementation was subsequently conducted over 16 sessions involving 11 children. Data were collected through needs-analysis questionnaires, expert validation sheets, teacher response questionnaires, classroom observations, interviews, and documentation, and were analysed using descriptive quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings provided empirical support for the feasibility and practicality of the AJI LESTARI Module. Expert validation confirmed that the module was suitable for field testing after incorporating revisions to terminology, instructional clarity, assessment tools, and activity examples. In the large-scale trial, the instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.88), while the module achieved an overall feasibility score of 3.84 on a four-point scale. Practicality indicators were also high, including presentation attractiveness (M = 3.88), communicative language (M = 3.76), and ease of classroom implementation (M = 3.72). Preliminary implementation evidence was reflected in high ratings for children's active participation (M = 3.92) and perceived improvement in fine motor skills (M = 3.88). Across the 16-session classroom implementation, children's performance shifted from predominantly basic levels toward intermediate and advanced levels. These findings indicate that the AJI LESTARI Module is feasible and practical as a needs-based professional development framework and provides preliminary evidence supporting its use for more systematic fine motor stimulation in ECE classrooms.