Primary science assessment and its contribution to the nurturing of creativity

Abstract

In 1997, a nation-wide initiative to promote creativity, lateral thinking and problem solving skills was launched in Singapore. Since then schools have been paying special attention to the development of creativity, lateral thinking and problem solving skills in our school going population. Teachers have been trained to teach such thinking skills explicitly as well as indirectly, through infusion into their science lessons. Teachers have risen to the challenge of nurturing creativity, lateral thinking and problem solving ability among their students. However, an important question needs to be raised: Does formal school science assessment contribute positively towards the drive towards the stimulating of creativity, lateral thinking and problem solving skills among pupils?