New Perspectives in Science Education

Edition 13

Accepted Abstracts

Creativity and Science Education

Manuel F. M. Costa, University of Minho (Portugal)

Abstract

Scientific literacy is fundamental for individuals but also for 21st century society as a whole. Developing scientific literacy in individuals should become an important part of the development of the child and the citizen. Looking at the world from a scientific perspective enriches the understanding and interaction with phenomena in nature and technology, enables students, and consequently future adults, to take part in social discussions and decision-making processes, and gives them an additional element from which to form interests and attitudes. Scientific thinking is one of the key goals in contemporary schooling, especially when facing vast quantity of information and in using new technologies and the importance of scientific reasoning skills arguably become more important. As well innovative thinkers are being increasingly requested. In order to compete globally it is further important that individuals develop the skills and confidence to apply their knowledge in innovative ways.  In Europe scientific literacy is viewed as a dimension of “democratic citizenship”, as an informed citizen can better contribute to the decisions of the community to which he/she belongs. It is important to develop socially aware and responsible citizens. Education must therefore strive to achieve this aim in the development of the child.  In order to avoid a simplistic view of science and mathematics as the acquisition of factual information and conventional explanations of natural phenomena and to move understanding towards a view of science and mathematics as a range of widely applicable skills and competencies, researchers have argued a primary objective of science and mathematics education should be to increase motivation and foster positive attitudes. Young people’s attitudes towards science and their motivation are increasingly recognized as crucial. Science, mathematics and creativity are all altered by rapid advances in digital technologies which are shaping new literacies. Digital technologies may further enable children’s creativity]. Creativity needs to be encouraged right from primary school classes and even at kindergarten. Creativity involves more than making something new or creating something, as it also involves thinking and problem solving as well as discovery and innovation. Creative science teaching and learning should be active and child-centered involving problem solving inquiring researching and exploration and experimenting in an hands-on way as much and whenever possible. Allowing children to solve problems for themselves is a creative way to achieve learning goals and these questions and problems can range from simple challenges, whilst children are playing or exploring, to more refined problem-solving inquiring or experimental activities.

Keywords: Creativity, Science Education, Scientific Literacy, STEM, Hands-on Science;

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