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Sensational thinking: An investigation of a teaching/learning model to increase creativity

Sharon B O'Neill, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Abstract

This study reports on the hypotheses that the cognitive function of creativity follows perceptual function and that increasing conscious awareness of perceptual functions yields increases in creativity. A series of sequenced learning activities resulting from the development of a teaching/learning model based on natural operation of perceptual functions balancing tolerance of ambiguity and need for boundaries compared teaching with specific skill instruction and teaching without specific skill instruction. Subjects' creativity was measured using a paradoxical design game that focused on three abilities: representation, adding items to a design, and integration of items within a design. Pre- and post-test changes for kindergarten-age children revealed increases in creativity for teaching with specific skill instruction to increase conscious awareness of natural perceptual function.

Subject Area

Curriculum development|Educational psychology

Recommended Citation

O'Neill, Sharon B, "Sensational thinking: An investigation of a teaching/learning model to increase creativity" (1992). Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest. AAI9233124.
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations/AAI9233124

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