Creativity and Problem-oriented Learning in Computer Science

We present a scenario which explicitly focuses on the encouragement to place creativity in problem-oriented learning. To evaluate the scenario in a design-based research approach, we applied both video analyses and interviews of student groups. The results of the investigation showed some of the scenario’s ambiguities. On the one hand, stimuli for advancing creativity on various levels were placed successfully such that students were able to develop creative solutions to a given problem. On the other hand, the atmosphere was dominated by rivalry and distrust, thus aggravating the effective enhancement of creativity. This shows that approaches intending to increase creativity need to be arranged properly over time and that they need to be embedded into an overall strategy for changing the culture of teaching and learning.

13.12.2010 | Angela Carell & Isabel Schaller (Bochum)