ENHANCING CREATIVE BEHAVIORAL EXPRESSIONS IN SCHOOL SYSTEMS: THE NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM AND A CENTER FOR CREATIVITY
Open Access
Author:
Abdel Kader, Shereen Adel Ibrahim
Graduate Program:
Curriculum and Instruction
Degree:
Doctor of Philosophy
Document Type:
Dissertation
Date of Defense:
February 08, 2008
Committee Members:
Thomas Daniel Yawkey, Committee Chair/Co-Chair Edgar Paul Yoder, Committee Member Jamie Myers, Committee Member Daniel Dean Hade, Committee Member
Keywords:
Creative Product Descriptor Behavior Achievement Creativity Classroom Early Childhood Children Recognition Teacher Center for Creativity Education Reform School System Behavior Expression Creative Behavior Creative Process Identification Curriculum Instruction Assessment Indicator Factor Misconception
Abstract:
This study aims to initiate a movement calling for innovative school reform: “Education for Creativity rather than Education for Achievement”. The main purposes of this study are to explore stake-holders’ perspectives, including experts and teachers, on creativity in young children; explore specifically whether teachers are able to recognize creative behaviors in young children; identify some of teachers’ misconceptions about what constitutes creative behavior; identify descriptor behaviors of creativity that are observable and reflect the creative process rather than the creative product; identify the dynamics of creative expression; and identify the most effective ways to enhance children’s creative expressions in the educational system.
The Creative Behaviors in Young Children Checklist (CBYCC) has been created by the researcher of this study to include 265 items that represent observable behaviors in young children that reflect or may relate directly or indirectly to creativity. A new profile for understanding creativity in children and adults is introduced in this study. In addition, an innovative model for a Center for Creativity is proposed by this researcher.
