ERIC Number: EJ1034505
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1551-2169
EISSN: N/A
Problem Solving and Creativity in Public Policy Courses: Promoting Interest and Civic Engagement
Wukich, Clayton; Siciliano, Michael D.
Journal of Political Science Education, v10 n3 p352-368 2014
This article examines the impact of problem-solving and creativity exercises on student interest in public policy making and behavior related to civic engagement. Researchers have long described policy making as a function of problem solving. Creativity has also been identified as an important component of the process. While these skills are promoted in upper level and graduate courses, they are difficult to implement in introductory curricula. The authors outline a series of problem-based creativity exercises designed for an introductory public policy course and explore their effects using a nonequivalent control group design. The article both analyzes short-term results and also contributes strategies to teach civic engagement. Dialogue on the use of these exercises adds to the existing stock of knowledge regarding civic engagement.
Descriptors: Civics, Citizen Participation, Citizenship Education, Problem Solving, Creativity, Creative Thinking, Introductory Courses, Public Policy, Undergraduate Students, Class Activities, Citizenship Responsibility, Hypothesis Testing, Teaching Methods, Control Groups, Curriculum Design
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A