Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to address the following research questions: 1) what is the current status of creativity research in a typical classroom, and 2) how does an instance of exemplary teaching serve to encourage creativity in a technology education setting? The first research question is focused on through a thorough review of published literature on creativity in order to frame the second research question. The second research question is addressed by understanding how Mr. Brad Thode, the technology teacher at Wood River Middle School in Hailey, Idaho, encourages his students to be creative. By investigating this one program, it will provide a greater understanding and deeper insight into how to promote creativity in students. Specifically, a phenomenological case study approach is used to investigate Mr. Thode and his nonlinear teaching style and to see how he fosters and promotes creativity in his classroom and among his students. Special attention is given to practices, methods, traits, etc. that have the potential to be replicated or modified for use in other classrooms. Findings are framed in the four generally accepted components of creativity: person, product, process, and press. Results indicate that creativity can be modeled and recommendations for promoting creativity in the classroom are outlined.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology; Technology

Rights

http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2007-02-02

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd1699

Keywords

creativity, education, nonlinear

Language

English

Technology Emphasis

Technology Engineering Education (TEE)

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