Evaluating Learning and Innovation Skills of 48–60-Month-Old Children Through a Rubric

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 2, 329 - 342

Çiğdem Karakaya Akçadağ , Fatma Alisinanoğlu

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills of children aged 48–60 months by using the “Learning and Innovation (4C) Skills Rubric.” The research was conducted in independent kindergartens and preschool classrooms located in a district of Maltepe, Istanbul. The study group consisted of 60 preschool children between 48 and 60 months of age. The rubric includes four subskills and is scored across four performance levels. Data were collected by scoring the performances observed during sessions referred to as "Scientifically Based Tasks," where four children participated in each session, lasting approximately 40–45 minutes. The findings revealed that children generally exhibited high levels of performance in Learning and Innovation skills. The highest scores were observed in communication and collaboration skills, while creativity also showed significant development. In contrast, critical thinking skills displayed a more balanced distribution, indicating the need for more structured support. The results demonstrate the usability of the rubric in early childhood education and highlight its value as an effective tool for providing developmental feedback to teachers. Additionally, the findings offer guidance for curriculum development, particularly in enhancing critical thinking skills.

Keywords

Learning and innovation skills , critical thinking , creativity , communication , collaboration , rubric , early childhood

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