Developing creativity in higher education: Correlating increases to course methods

• In Event: Strategies for Various Learning Contests
  In Roundtable Session: Strategies for Various Learning Contests-RTD

Short Description

Results of empirical research from multiple semester-long courses concerning creative problem solving will be presented, illustrating creative ability as a skill that can be developed and increased providing generative course methods. The nature of creativity and the class structures will be described, followed by an outline of the research methodology and the use of the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking. Preliminary results indicate that the creative ability of students who take the course improve significantly, and that some measured dimensions increase by 45%. The analysis of pre- and post-tests for four consecutive years will be presented. Previous research shows a retention of measured increases in creative ability after two years, and a summary of this research will be presented as well.

Authors

• Presenter: Brad Hokanson, University of Minnesota

• Contributor: Jody Nyboer, Syracuse University

• Contributor: Yating Yuan, Syracuse University