15 February 2024 | Mariela Samaniego, Nancy Usca, José Salguero and William Quevedo
This systematic review explores the role of creative thinking in art and design education, analyzing 187 studies selected from 292 retrieved through a Scopus database search. The findings emphasize experiential learning, STEAM education, and interdisciplinary approaches as key methods for fostering creative thinking. Techniques such as interdisciplinary projects, artistic practices, nature-based activities, and digital tools are highlighted. Core skills identified include originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration. Most studies were conducted in higher education, underscoring the need for more research in regions like Latin America. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity from an early age and highlights the significance of integrating creative thinking into education to prepare students for 21st-century challenges. The review also notes the growing importance of creativity across various fields, including art, design, and education, and the need for a more comprehensive approach to teaching creativity. The research questions addressed include the predominant educational methods, techniques, technological tools, and skills associated with creative thinking, as well as the educational levels at which these studies were conducted. The results show a focus on hands-on learning, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and collaboration. The study also highlights the role of technology in supporting creative thinking and the importance of developing skills such as originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration. The findings indicate that most studies were conducted in higher education, with a notable absence of research in Latin America. The review underscores the need for more research in this region and the importance of integrating creative thinking into education to enhance learning and prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.This systematic review explores the role of creative thinking in art and design education, analyzing 187 studies selected from 292 retrieved through a Scopus database search. The findings emphasize experiential learning, STEAM education, and interdisciplinary approaches as key methods for fostering creative thinking. Techniques such as interdisciplinary projects, artistic practices, nature-based activities, and digital tools are highlighted. Core skills identified include originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration. Most studies were conducted in higher education, underscoring the need for more research in regions like Latin America. The study emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity from an early age and highlights the significance of integrating creative thinking into education to prepare students for 21st-century challenges. The review also notes the growing importance of creativity across various fields, including art, design, and education, and the need for a more comprehensive approach to teaching creativity. The research questions addressed include the predominant educational methods, techniques, technological tools, and skills associated with creative thinking, as well as the educational levels at which these studies were conducted. The results show a focus on hands-on learning, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary approaches, with a strong emphasis on practical experience and collaboration. The study also highlights the role of technology in supporting creative thinking and the importance of developing skills such as originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration. The findings indicate that most studies were conducted in higher education, with a notable absence of research in Latin America. The review underscores the need for more research in this region and the importance of integrating creative thinking into education to enhance learning and prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.