The PjBL-DEDEn Model for Supporting the Development of Early Childhood Graduate Profile Dimensions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35719/gns.v7i1.277

  Keywords:

PjBL-DEDEn, project-based learning, graduate profile dimensions, early childhood education, pakcoy cultivation

Abstract

Early childhood education requires concrete, contextual learning experiences that are able to support children's holistic development. This study aims to analyze the process of implementing the Project-Based Learning (PjBL) model with the Design, Explain, Development, and Evaluation (PjBL-DEDEn) stages and examine how the eight Graduate Profile Dimensions (GPD) were manifested across the project stages through the pakcoy plant cultivation project. This study used a descriptive qualitative design at a Kindergarten in Makassar, involving 15 children aged 5–6 years from Group B. Data collection was conducted for seven weeks through structured participant observation, semi-structured interviews with class teachers, and documentation of the learning process and children's work.  The findings show that the prominent GPD dimensions vary across the DEDEn stages.  The Design stage provided opportunities for creativity, critical reasoning, independence, and faith and piety; the Explain stage supports communication and critical reasoning skills; Development stage strengthens independence, health, collaboration, and creativity; while the Evaluation stage provides an opportunity to develop citizenship attitudes and communication skills. The results of the study indicate that PjBL-DEDEn offers a contextual and structured framework for integrating various Graduate Profile Dimensions into project-based learning for early childhood.

Author Biographies

Sadaruddin Sadaruddin, Universitas Islam Makassar

Dr. Sadaruddin, M.Pd. is an academic, learning innovation expert, and senior researcher in the field of Early Childhood Education (PAUD). Since 2011, he has dedicated himself to educating undergraduate PAUD students at various leading universities, primarily based in the PG-PAUD Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Islamic University of Makassar (UIM). His teaching career also spans across the Open University, Makassar State University (UNM), and UIN Alauddin Makassar.

As a visionary academic, Dr. Sadaruddin possesses deep expertise in project-based learning and inquiry. This book, a crystallization of his dedicated research, introduces the DEDEn-PjBL (Design, Explain, Develop, and Evaluation-Project Based Learning) model—a groundbreaking methodology specifically designed to stimulate creativity in early childhood.

Beyond the classroom, his contributions to science and global literacy are highly regarded. He is active as a reputable national and international reviewer, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Ihya Ulum: Early Childhood Education Journal, and is a member of the Indonesian Early Childhood Education Journal Management Association (PPJPAUDI) and the Indonesian Early Childhood Education Research and Development Institute (LP3AUDI). He is currently based in Makassar and consistently drives the transformation of early childhood education in Indonesia.

Susilawati Susilawati, Taman Kanak-kanak Al Azhar 34 Makassar

Biography of Susilawati Susilawati is a dedicated and passionate early childhood educator based in Makassar, South Sulawesi. She is widely recognized for her commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a joyful learning environment for children. Currently, she serves as a kindergarten teacher at [KB-TK Islam Al-Azhar 34 Makassar / Islamic Kindergarten Al-Azhar 34 Makassar]. In her role, she specializes in creating interactive, character-building, and faith-based learning experiences that help young learners develop socially, emotionally, and academically. With her warm approach and patience, Susilawati believes that every child has unique potential. She consistently collaborates with parents and fellow educators to ensure that children receive the best foundation during their golden years of development.

Ramlah Yusran, Universitas Negeri Makassar

Ramlah Yusran, S.Pd., M.Pd. is an academic, researcher, and education practitioner who focuses on the intersection of art, creativity, and early childhood development. Having begun her academic career in 2017, she is currently a full-time lecturer in the Department of Early Childhood Education (PG-PAUD), Faculty of Education, Makassar State University (FIP UNM).

Her deep interest in children has led her to consistently explore the field of Creativity and Arts Development in Early Childhood. This expertise is reinforced by her solid educational background: she earned a Bachelor's degree (S1) in Arts Education from Makassar State University and then continued her Master's degree (S2) in Early Childhood Education (PAUD) at the UNM Graduate School. She is currently deepening her expertise by pursuing a doctoral degree (S3) at the State Islamic University (UIN) Alauddin Makassar.

Her various research findings on art, creativity, and children's kinesthetic stimulation have been published in various scientific journals. Her collaboration in this book is a manifestation of her scientific contribution to present a fresh, innovative approach to the world of Early Childhood Education in Indonesia.

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Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Sadaruddin, Sadaruddin, Susilawati Susilawati, and Ramlah Yusran. 2026. “The PjBL-DEDEn Model for Supporting the Development of Early Childhood Graduate Profile Dimensions”. GENIUS: Indonesian Journal of Early Childhood Education 7 (1):73-86. https://doi.org/10.35719/gns.v7i1.277.