Introduction/Statement of the Problem
Kindergarten children are not challenged enough. They are placed in a safe box of thinking where they are not expected to think outside of. For this research, exploring ways of encouraging creative thinking skills among kindergarteners is the focus. What is the role of play in developing kindergarten students in creative thinking skills? This is the main research question explored in this proposal. Ensuring that kindergarteners are using creative skills can allow for further growth in their academic skills. In recent years researchers have taken on the task of aiding teachers with new ways of learning. My passion for educating children will only grow as this research is tried and tested. This can only heighten the dedication and awareness to kindergarten children in their quest to be high level learners.
Theoretical Framework and Methodology
Main Question:
What is the role of play in developing kindergarten students in creative thinking skills?
Sub-questions:
How can the educator/teacher develop the creative thinking skill within the classroom environment?
What is the role of the kindergarten environment in development creative thinking in children?
How does classroom setting in influence the development of creative thinking?
I chose these questions because they are reflections of what I am looking to gain from exploring this topic and conducting research. The main research question clearly makes the role of play the focal point. The sub questions will foster the need to go beyond the surface of creative thinking and focus on how this way of teaching can be implemented into the classroom.
Methodology:
Data collection tools:
Observation. For this method I will observe teachers in their classroom in order to see if they are encouraging creative thinking among kindergarteners. Observation is the most effective way to ensure that teachers are adhering to the study. I will look to observe enough classrooms so that I am able to gather enough data for my capstone project.
Literature review. The literature is a way to review recent literature on my subject area. Literature reviews are an important part of the process. Fidning other researchers and scholars who are in support of the same ideology is always something to look forward to. I look forward to seeing what methods have worked and which ones need improvement. According to Michalopoulou (2014) Creative expression leads to problem solving for children. This will indeed become beneficial as they continue to grow as learners. There are other researchers who agree with Michalopoulou. Shawareb (2011) is a researcher who observed creative thinking among kindergarten classrooms in Jordan. The research observed used technology as a means to encourage creative thinking. The research further states, “Creative thinking is a novel way of seeing or doing things characterized by four thinking processes: fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration” (Shawareb, 2011, p. 14). I look to use these four thinking processes in expanding on my research.
Chronopoulou, & Riga (2012) believe that music and movement activities are important for stimulating creative thinking in young school-aged children as early as pre-school. Chronopoulou & Riga (2012) continue to write that “As interest in creativity is rising, kindergarten teachers are looking for ways to strengthen the creative potential of young children (p. 196). These researchers are just a few who believe that creative thinking is important in leading children into higher levels of thinking. Overall, the literature review will introduce proven research that support my ideas.
Generalizations of personal experience as kindergarten teacher in Saudi Arabia. My experience as a kindergarten teacher in Saudi Arabia will also add to my research data. Personal experience as a researcher is important because I can attest to some of the methods for encouraging creative learning.
Interview with teacher. Interviewing other teachers will be included my research. The experience of other teachers and their thoughts on the topic is just as equally important as scholarly researchers. Interviewing other teachers will lead to practical outcomes.
References
Chronopoulou, E., & Riga, V. (2012). The contribution of music and movement activities to creative thinking in pre-school children. Creative Education, 3(2), 196-204. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1011488116?accountid=87314
Michalopoulou, A. (2014). Inquiry-based learning through the creative thinking and expression
in early years education. Creative Education, 5(6), 377-385. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1523882339?accountid=87314
Shawareb, A. (2011). The effects of computer use on creative thinking among kindergarten children in jordan. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 38(3), 213-220. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1015179505?accountid=87314
