TEACHERS’ CREATIVE THINKING TENDENCIES AND THEIR CREATIVITY-FOSTERING CLASSROOM PRACTICES IN STEM EDUCATION

TitleTEACHERS’ CREATIVE THINKING TENDENCIES AND THEIR CREATIVITY-FOSTERING CLASSROOM PRACTICES IN STEM EDUCATION
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsAslan, B, İnce, M
JournalProblems of Education in the 21st Century
Volume83
Issue4
Start Page461-479
Paginationcontinuous
Date PublishedAugust/2025
Type of ArticleOriginal article
ISSN1822-7864
Other NumbersE-ISSN 2538-7111
Keywordscreative thinking, creativity-fostering behaviors, professional development, STEM education, teacher characteristics
Abstract

This study examined the link between teachers’ creative thinking tendencies and their creativity-fostering classroom practices in the context of STEM education. Employing a correlational research design, data were collected from 338 in-service teachers actively integrating STEM approaches into their instruction. Two standardized instruments were used: the Marmara Creative Thinking Tendencies Scale and the Creativity-Fostering Teacher Behavior Index. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses (t-tests and one-way ANOVA) were conducted to examine group differences based on gender, subject area, and participation in training programs. Findings revealed no significant gender or subject-area differences in creative thinking tendencies; however, teachers who had participated in multiple training programs exhibited significantly higher scores. In contrast, female teachers demonstrated significantly higher creativity-fostering behaviors than male teachers, and preschool teachers outperformed ICT teachers in these behaviors. No significant differences were found regarding participation in STEM training programs and creativity-fostering behaviors. The findings underscore the nuanced role of teacher characteristics in promoting creativity within STEM education and suggest implications for professional development and educational design.

URLhttps://journals.indexcopernicus.com/search/article?articleId=4604138
DOI10.33225/pec/25.83.461
Refereed DesignationRefereed
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