How do teachers and students creatively engage within the classroom?

Abstract

The present study explores a systemic approach to creativity based on componential models in education and the possible effects of personal and social factors on students’ expected creative behavior. It investigated how distinct components like Motivation, Knowledge, Openness, and Environment contribute to creativity. To this end, an online questionnaire was developed using the Experimental Vignette Methodology to manipulate the components and was administered to teachers from Brazil and Portugal (N = 115). Results indicated that teachers in both countries see the social environment (80 %) as the most important predictor of student creativity compared to the other components. For some teachers (20 %), instead of the social environment, Openness is the most important component. We conclude by advocating for a broader understanding of creativity in educational assessments, emphasizing the importance of inclusive learning environments that foster a growth mindset and acknowledge diverse forms of creative participation, in order to promote a positive learning environment for creative development.