The Effect of Kindergarten Teacher Coaching on Handicraft Skills to Improve Implemented Technical Products: An Approach to Tackle Unemployment

ABSTRACT Handcrafts contribute significantly to sustainable socioeconomic development and poverty alleviation in local communities, by creating substantial employment and income opportunities for people. The aim was to investigate the effect of kindergarten teacher coaching on handicraft skills to improve implemented technical products. Participants were 20 unemployed female kindergarten teachers. They aged from 22-29 years old (M= 25 years, SD= 3.52). This study utilised a Quasi-Experimental (Pre-Test and Post-Test), one group design. Data were collected from children during the academic year 2019-2020. Data were analysed using t-test, ANOVA test, and Eta Squared. The group participated in 10 workshops, in which they were trained in doing textile design printing, forming ceramic pastes and synthesis with environmental materials. The results show there is a significant difference between the group’s performance before and after the program. This confirms that the handicrafts could positively impact kindergarten teachers’ textile design printing, forming ceramic pastes and synthesis with environmental materials. At the end of the study, recommendations were provided.