Development of DACAR as a new learning model to train critical and creative thinking skills: A study on early childhood education

This research seeks to evaluate the validity and reliability of the DACAR learning model, an
instructional framework incorporating Demonstration, Association, Collaboration, Action, and Reward
as an innovative method for fostering critical and creative thinking in early childhood education. The
DACAR approach is tailored to support engaging, activity-based learning experiences that align with
young children's developmental traits, such as their curiosity, imagination, and social nature. The model
was developed using a research and development (R&D) methodology, which involved model
conceptualization, expert validation, reliability testing, and subsequent revisions. Validation of the
DACAR model and its associated instruments was conducted by three field-specific experts, while
learning tools were assessed by four validators, and reliability testing involved three evaluators.
Assessments used a 5-point Likert scale, with additional space for qualitative feedback. The results
revealed that the validity coefficients for the DACAR model (rα = 0.997, 0.993, and 0.990) exceeded the
critical value of rtable. Similarly, high validity scores were observed for learning plans (RPPH) (rα =
0.983, 0.984, 0.991, 0.989), instructional materials (rα = 0.961, 0.978, 0.997), and implementation
evaluations (rα = 0.961, 0.978, 0.997). Instruments measuring children's activity (rα = 0.90, 0.81, 0.75)
and learning observations (rα = 0.857, 0.570, 0.857) also demonstrated acceptable validity, and a learner
response score of 3.67 was recorded. Regarding reliability, the DACAR model scored 0.992, while
RPPH tools scored 0.990, teaching materials 0.950, implementation tools 0.662, children's observation
sheets 0.761, and response questionnaires 0.907. Based on these findings, the DACAR model is deemed
suitable for use as a viable educational strategy to enhance critical and creative thinking in early
childhood education.