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Some difficulties encountered in fostering creativity in science education
Citation
Lee, L. K. W., Goh, N. K., Chia, L. S., Wan, Y. K., & Lee, C. E. (2006). Some difficulties encountered in fostering creativity in science education. In Y. J. Lee, A. L. Tan, & B. T. Ho (Eds.), Proceedings of ISEC 2006: Science education: What works [CD-ROM] (pp. 491-500). National Institute of Education (Singapore).
Author
Lee, Lucille Kam Wah
•
Goh, Ngoh Khang
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Chia, Lian Sai
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Wan, Yoke Kum
•
Lee, Chui Eng
Abstract
Science is a method of inquiry, a way to ask intriguing and important questions and a procedure for finding new and novel answers to these questions. Besides disseminating knowledge and imparting skills, science education should also emphasize fostering creativity which is obviously important to science and technology as we move forward in the direction of scientific understanding and invention. In recognition of the importance of creativity, ten years ago Singapore government launched the Thinking Schools and Learning Nation (TSLN) initiative with emphasis on teaching creativity in schools. Since then fostering creativity is an area of concern for the Singapore Education System and needs to be better understood. In view of the need for Singapore students to become better thinkers, problem-solvers and learners, teachers have been sent for training in teaching creativity, encouraged to teach creatively and to find ways to foster students’ creativity and thinking skills. Previous studies done indicated that creativity could be nurtured through the use of creative teaching strategies. However, what are the difficulties that can possibly be encountered if the creative teaching strategies were to be implemented? This paper reports on the third part of the findings of the study through interviewing ten school and university science educators to address the issue on some of the difficulties associated with the teaching of creativity through science education.
Date Issued
2006
Description
This paper was presented at the International Science Education Conference (ISEC) 2006, held in Singapore from 22 - 24 Nov 2006.