ERIC Number: EJ1137949
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Mar-20
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1099-839X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
An Exploration of the Existence, Value and Importance of Creativity Education
Cho, Hyunjung; Pemberton, Cynthia Lee; Ray, Beverly
Current Issues in Education, v20 n1 Mar 2017
This study employed purposive sampling across 20 SE Idaho schools to explore PK-3 educators' perceptions regarding the value and importance of creativity education in the early childhood education setting (PK-3). A survey instrument and semi-structured interview protocol were developed for use. Surveys were distributed by mail and through on-site meetings, Interviews were conducted in one-on-one settings. Seventy-three PK-3 educators were surveyed and eight took part in the interviews. The findings indicated that while PK-3 educators valued the concept of creativity, there was a discrepancy between teachers' claims of valuing creativity and the realities of their classrooms. Barriers to increasing creativity education were identified as a lack of educators' understanding of creativity, children's freedom of expression, curricular restrictions, and the high-stake testing environment. Needed supports included loosening regulations associated with standardized tests, more curricular flexibility and space for free-play activities, and a clearer, shared understanding of creativity.
Descriptors: Creativity, Preschool Education, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Preschool Teachers, Early Childhood Education, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Surveys, Semi Structured Interviews, Elementary School Teachers, Barriers, Educational Attitudes
Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton Institute and Graduate School of Education. Deans Office, P.O. Box 870211 Payne 108, Tempe, AZ 85287. Tel: 480-965-3306; Fax: 480-965-6231; e-mail: cie@asu.edu; Web site: http://cie.asu.edu
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Preschool Education; Early Childhood Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Grade 1; Elementary Education; Grade 2; Grade 3
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Idaho
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A