Creative Skills Research Articles

Efforts to overcome students’ learning difficulties in geometry: A didactic design of creative thinking skills through metacognitive approaches

[English]: Prior knowledge is crucial in connecting all available information so that new knowledge can be constructed through the processes of assimilation or accommodation. The objectives of this study are: (1) to identify the prior knowledge forgotten by students that causes difficulties in solving problems related to the area of Euclidean plane; (2) to describe the learning trajectory of creative thinking based on metacognition; and (3) to determine a didactic design that can reduce students’ difficulties in solving problems involving mathematical creative reasoning on the topic of Euclidean plane. This research uses a didactic design research method with two trials as a means to address the research questions and achieve the research objectives. The results show that the college students are still not creative or unable to move beyond their prior knowledge related to the patterns of the Euclidean plane. With their existing prior knowledge, the students are not able to analyze problems involving Euclidean plane into simpler parts, nor can they synthesize these parts into more complex forms (analysis and synthesis). More specifically, the students are unable to decompose Euclidean planes into smaller shapes of triangles and quadrilaterals as well as calculate their area or perimeter, nor do they understand the relationships between different shapes of Euclidean planes. To address these issues, a learning trajectory of creative mathematical thinking through metacognitive approaches has been developed, consisting of five stages: problem orientation, planning to solve the problem, realization of the plan, mastery of prior mathematical knowledge (concept of creativity), and evaluation of the solutions. Based on the trial outcomes, the developed didactic design sequence can reduce the difficulties faced by students. [Bahasa]: Pengetahuan awal merupakan hal yang paling krusial dalam menghubungkan seluruh informasi yang ada sehingga pengetahuan baru dapat dikonstruksi melalui proses asimilasi atau akomodasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah (1) untuk mengidentifikasi pengetahuan awal yang dilupakan mahasiswa sehingga mereka kesulitan dalam menyelesaikan soal luas bangun datar, (2) mendeskripsikan lintasan pembelajaran berpikir kreatif berbasis metakognisi, dan (3) untuk mengetahui desain didaktik yang dapat mengurangi kesulitan mahasiswa dalam menyelesaikan masalah penalaran kreatif matematis pada materi luas bangun datar. Metode penelitian ini merupakan metode penelitian desain didaktik dengan dua kali uji coba sebagai cara untuk menjawab rumusan masalah sehingga tujuan penelitian tercapai. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa masih belum kreatif atau belum bisa keluar dari pengetahuan awal terkait pola bangun datar. Berbekal pengetahuan awal yang ada, mahasiswa belum mampu menganalisis permasalahan bangun datar ke dalam bagian-bagian sederhana serta mensintesis kembali bagian-bagian tersebut ke dalam bentuk yang lebih kompleks (analisis dan sintesis). Selain itu, mahasiswa belum mampu mengurai bangun datar menjadi segitiga atau segi empat yang lebih kecil dan menghitung luas atau kelilingnya serta belum memahami hubungan antara berbagai bangun datar (relasi antara bangun datar). Untuk mengantisipasi permasalahan tersebut, lintasan pembelajaran berpikir kreatif matematis berbasis metakognisi telah dikembangkan yang terdiri atas lima tahapan yaitu orientasi pada masalah, rencana mengatasi masalah, realisasi rencana, penguasaan pengetahuan matematika awal (konsep kreativitas), dan evaluasi hasil yang diperoleh. Berdasarkan hasil ujicoba, rangkaian desain didaktik yang dikembangkan dapat mengurangi kesulitan yang dihadapi mahasiswa.

Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Technology in Enhancing Primary School Students' Acquisition of Creative Reading Skills

Effectiveness of Augmented Reality Technology in Enhancing Primary School Students' Acquisition of Creative Reading Skills

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Discovery Learning dan Keterampilan Berpikir Kreatif Terhadap Pemahaman Konsep Biologi Siswa SMA Bunda Hati Kudus

In the era of globalization marked by the presence of Society 5.0, education faces new challenges. One of the essential skills that students need to have is critical thinking. The discovery learning learning model is considered effective in fostering students' critical thinking skills, so that it can improve their understanding of concepts. This study aims to determine the influence of the discovery learning model and creative thinking skills on the understanding of biology concepts of SMA Bunda Hati Kudus students. The research method used is a quantitative method. The population of this study used 160 students in class XI science of Bunda Hati Kudus High School for the 2022/2023 school year. The sample used was 64 people. Hypothesis testing using MANOVA and ANOVA techniques with a significance level of 0.05. The results of the study show that the application of the discovery learning learning model significantly improves the understanding of concepts, critical thinking skills, and creative thinking skills of SMA Bunda Hati Kudus students. Statistical analysis with the F test showed a very significant difference (p < 0.05) between the group of students who used the discovery learning model and the group that used the direct learning model. These findings indicate that the discovery learning model can be an effective alternative to improve the quality of student learning

Integrating Artificial Intelligence with NHEQF Descriptors for Pedagogical Excellence

This research investigates the critical need to integrate affective and psychomotor domains alongside cognitive development in educational systems to achieve the comprehensive ‘Exit Outcomes’ of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and align with the National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) descriptors. Traditional educational approaches are inadequate for these goals, prompting the introduction of the AI-Charya framework—a novel, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven pedagogical model. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study explores the limitations of existing models and the transformative potential of generative AI. The AI-Charya framework provides adaptive, multimodal educational strategies that personalize learning and significantly enhance critical and creative thinking skills. Findings indicate that students engaged with AI-Charya show marked improvements in these areas, positioning them for success in an increasingly automated global workforce. However, the study’s generalizability is limited by its specific educational contexts, and further research is needed to assess long-term outcomes. Despite these limitations, the AI-Charya framework offers a pioneering blueprint for aligning educational practices with OBE and NHEQF standards, equipping students with the holistic competencies required for dynamic, future-oriented careers. This research has significant implications for policymakers, educators and curriculum developers aiming to enhance educational excellence through innovative methodologies.

Project -Based Steam Learning Based on Sound of Green: Empowering Students Creative Thinking

This research aims to investigate the ability of teachers in designing sound of green-based PjBL STEAM learning to empower creative thinking skills and to determine the differences in creative thinking abilities in junior high school students. This study emphasizes the assessment of the effectiveness of project-based STEAM learning based on sound of green in empowering students' creative thinking in natural resource processing, involving 162 students in schools in music tourism attraction villages in Ambon city. The study reports that the respondents' results and creativity levels, including fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration among students, were excellent. Overall research results indicate that the majority of students are at a good level after being taught with the sound of green-based PjBL STEAM model. The increase in students' creativity with guidance and direction from teachers, especially in the technical, art, and mathematics stages in STEAM, is evident. Initially, many students lacked fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration dimensions in detail, resulting in an inability to generate more ideas and provide answers. Consequently, their originality decreased, and they lacked ideas to further elaborate on the given answers. However, findings from several meetings show a significant improvement among students. This is because implementing project-oriented learning models that empower the environment around students enhances every domain of creativity in science subjects. Additionally, the researcher suggests conducting further research on students' creative thinking processes based on the unique advantages of each school's geographical location. Teachers are expected to better understand students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor abilities, improving students' creative thinking skills in every dimension of creativity according to the geographical conditions of the learners' environment. Keywords: sound of green STEAM, project learning, creative thinking

Enhancing Students' Critical and Creative Thinking Skills Through Problem-Based Learning

The critical and creative thinking skills (CCTs) of junior high school students remain at a low level. Following this phenomenon, this research was conducted to explore the potential of the Problem Based-Learning model (PBL) to enhance students' CCTs, using a single class with a single group pretest-posttest design involving the ninth-grade students from State Junior High School in Malang, Indonesia. The sample was selected using the purposive sampling technique. Data was gathered through evaluation instruments in the form of pretest and posttest results. In addition to the aforementioned instruments, teaching modules and student worksheets were employed in the data collection process. The data analysis was performed using a number of tests, including the Shapiro-Wilk data normality test, Wilcoxon test, and N-Gain test. In particular, these tests were carried out to evaluate changes in scores. The research findings indicated that the implementation of PBL was effective and significantly successful in improving students' thinking skills, especially their CCTs. This is evidenced by the Wilcoxon test results, which resulted a significance value of less than 0.05, as well as a high N-Gain increase for critical thinking (0.7001) and a medium category for creative thinking (0.5826). Therefore, these findings can serve as recommendations concerning the role of PBL in improving students' two thinking skills (CCTs).

Creative Thinking Ability and Collaborating in Classroom with ASICC Learning Model

Twenty-first century education demands the birth of a generation that thinks at a higher level, including creative thinking. Apart from that it also requires the ability to collaborate. These abilities prepare students to face future challenges. Therefore, this research examines efforts to improve these two abilities in learning through quasi-experimental research using a non-equivalent pre-post test control group design by comparing two classes that program genetics courses with a total of 82 students. The experimental class was taught using the ASICC model, while the control class did not use the ASICC model. The research instrument used was an integrated essay test instrument for creative thinking abilities, while the collaboration instrument used a collaboration questionnaire. The instruments used have been validated and declared valid and reliable. The data obtained was then analyzed using the t-test, which previously began with homogeneity and normality tests. The research results showed that there were differences between the experimental class and the control class for creative thinking abilities and collaborative skills. The average collaboration value of the ASICC model class was higher than the control class. This research indicates that the ASICC learning model can be used as an alternative learning model that can improve students’ creative thinking and collaboration skills. Keywords: twenty-first century education, ASICC model, creative thinking, collaborative

Research on Education for Sustainable Development with Design-Based Research by Employing Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Issue of Single-Use Plastic Waste in Taiwan

The social impacts of prevailing circular economy (CE) strategies remain under-researched despite the considerable attention that CE has received from scholars and in industry. Existing CE indicators primarily focus on business models from a decision-making standpoint, overlooking consumer engagement and alternative solutions. Boasting one of the highest recycling rates globally, Taiwan faces challenges in optimizing collected resources. This study delves into recycling plastic waste by integrating consumer behavior within CE strategies, leveraging open-source resources and additive manufacturing technologies to align with the United Nations Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). These resources facilitate the transformation of plastic waste into reusable materials. Employing an exploratory and participatory action research approach, this research uses the Precious Plastic Universe (PPU) database to identify potential resources from post-consumer polymer waste. Subsequently, it explores tools for converting collected waste into usable polymers. Lastly, the study investigates integrating collected polymer waste into student design projects to enhance creativity and problem-solving skills for sustainable development, employing additive manufacturing tools at the National Taiwan Normal University Department of Design. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several recurring patterns, including the role of consumer behavior in plastic waste generation, the development of creativity and problem-solving skills among students, and the challenges of working with recycled materials. These themes were observed in quantitative data (collected single-use polymers) and qualitative insights from student observations and interviews. Through thematic analysis, the study highlights key factors contributing to successful CE integration, providing a model for future educational and industrial applications of sustainable design.

A Framework for Using GenAI to Support Student Engagement in Interdisciplinary Learning from Self-determination Theory

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an interdisciplinary field, including mathematics, sciences, psychology, linguistics, sociology, and engineering (Bisconti et al., 2023; Chen, 2020; Zhuang et al., 2020). The development of its technologies requires experts from various disciplines. In education, generative AI (GenAI) tools such as ChatGPT and Dall-E facilitate interdisciplinary learning by breaking down barriers between disciplines and enabling students to see connections across different disciplines, resulting in a more holistic understanding of complex concepts. The tools enable students from different disciplines to collaborate on projects by combining their diverse knowledge and skills (Chiu, 2023, 2024; Chiu et al., 2023). For example, in STEAM education, students who are weak at coding can develop simple applications by asking GitHub Copilot, which generates specific code suggestions including variables, classes, and methods based on their situations. Those who are poor in art designs, can ask t Dall-E to generate visuals, fostering an interdisciplinary approach. Therefore, students can use the tools to complement the knowledge gaps they have because they have instant access to information and resources related to other disciplines (Kusters et al., 2020; Peters et al., 2023). Students become more adaptable, open, flexible, and innovative in their thinking. These enhance critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students. This interdisciplinary learning using AI also fosters a sense of curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, which are essential skills for success in the AI era, better preparing students to address real-world problems and excel in a variety of disciplines. Most related current studies focus on how GenAI affects assessment and essay-based assignments (Chiu, 2024; Xia et al., 2024). However, student engagement in using GenAI tools in completing interdisciplinary learning remains unclear. Student engagement is a multi-dimensional concept generally considered to include behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and agentic components (Chiu, 2021; Fredricks, 2011), which can be explained by self-determination theory (SDT) through needs satisfaction (autonomy: feel having choices; competence: feel capable; relatedness: feel relevant) (Chiu, 2021; Ryan and Deci, 2020). This mixed-methods study investigated how GenAI tools engage students in interdisciplinary learning from SDT perspectives. The two main research questions are: RQ1: How is needs satisfaction related to student engagement in interdisciplinary learning? RQ2: How do GenAI tools satisfy students three SDT needs?. The participants were 310 university students from various academic major backgrounds (sciences: 72; engineering: 78; social sciences: 79; art: 76; others: five). All of them attended a 3-hour workshop on how to use GenAI in completing a project under the topic of sustainability. The participants tried different GenAI tools, and discussed how they completed the project. A questionnaire with validated itemswas used to examine how GenAI tools satisfy their needs for competency in a sustainability project (RQ1) (Chiu, 2024). Three iterative cycles of group interviews were conducted with randomly selected 30 participants to understand the roles and affordances of GenAI in interdisciplinary learning (RQ2). The quantitative findings suggested that during interdisciplinary learning, GenAI can satisfy student needs by fostering classification and generalization skills (grouping knowledge), encouraging unpacking model and solution skills (revising thinking), and providing alternative intelligence (inspiring with new ideas). The qualitative findings from this study were used to propose a framework for using GenAI to support interdisciplinary learning. The framework also visualizes the roles and affordances of GenAI in the learning.

Transforming STEM Education with Design Thinking

This poster showcases the Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) pedagogy designed for a health discipline course at an Australian University. The use of the design thinking process for problem-based learning was implemented to enhance first-year students' creative and digital skills. Collaboration with the industry partners enabled an authentic learning experience. In the post-COVID era, students are more diverse, demanding, discerning, and inclined towards flexible learning to shape their educational experiences. To meet these evolving needs, we adhered to digital accessibility guidelines and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, promoting inclusive education. A student-centric approach to TEL pedagogy is essential for delivering authentic and connected learning experiences (Ní Shé, 2022). In our health course, we designed interactive content using HTML5 Package (H5P) to create engaging learning materials and activities in health course modules. This included multiple-choice questions, interactive text, images, and videos, providing opportunities for students to answer questions, solve problems, and explore content knowledge. This also included formative feedback and opportunities for students to test their understanding. Additionally, design thinking was incorporated to allow students to test their understanding of the health applications, solve ‘wicked’ real-world problems and create human-centric solutions (Brenner et al., 2016). In a three-week course module, Week 1 presented an open-ended real-world problem, designed and developed in collaboration with an industry partner, to help students understand user needs and pain points. Later in the week, students defined the problem by narrowing the scope down and identifying characteristics of the user persona. In Week 2, students ideated multiple responses to the defined problem, utilising problem-solving skills and creativity (Jia, Jalaludin, & Rasul, 2023) to think critically and brainstorm the appropriate solutions using Miro, and then created a low-fidelity prototype to meet the user requirements. In Week 3, students applied their knowledge to test the solution against user needs, constructively aligned with the industry practices. Through the experience of design thinking to solve open-ended, real-world problems, we employed problem-solving learning pedagogy to develop an iterative process of group work (Dam?a & Wittek, 2020). Academics acted as facilitators rather than traditional lecturers, providing support and resources as needed, but allowing students to take the lead. Students took responsibility for their learning by collaborating to explore design thinking and refining their solutions as they gathered information and feedback from various sources, integrating their own disciplinary knowledge as jigsaw pieces (Calkins & Rivnary 2022). For the purpose of authentic assessment, we designed challenging activities that required students to apply design thinking in problem-solving. The assessment tasks focused on both the process and the final solution, as well as the reflective component, including self-assessment and peer assessment. Students increased their effort towards this problem-based assessment because it held more real-life relevance and allowed them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts.

Enriching Educational Landscapes

As an arts educator, I spent a month in Bhutan engaging Bachelor of Education students in project-based learning activities aimed at enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These activities served as a dynamic capstone to their theoretical literacy unit. I documented students' collaborative efforts and creativity through photos and videos, which have been transformed into eBooks. These resources are now integrated into courses at my Australian university, enriching learning experiences for our culturally diverse student body with authentic examples of cross-cultural project-based learning. The eBooks showcase student outcomes and offer reflective analyses to inform future teaching practices, inspiring innovative and collaborative learning strategies globally. Moreover, these resources contribute to the university's commitment to global education and cultural diversity, demonstrating how experiential learning can transcend geographical boundaries and enrich the educational journey of students promoting global citizenship. To address a broader audience within Bhutan, and globally, the lesson plans and resources I developed to deliver the project-based learning activities, are now available on the Artist in Residence Education Program website. This provides an opportunity for any educator to access and adapt these materials to their own contexts. Teaching in Bhutan highlighted how factors like collectivist culture, religious beliefs, and the Gross National Happiness Index support traditional teaching practices and how complex it is to break down traditional teaching practises and encourage valid creative ways learning. The students greatly enjoyed the new activities and even requested additional lessons. It was rewarding to see them realise their potential for creativity and innovation in teaching, enhancing their approach to learning and self-perception as future educators. In conclusion, understanding sociocultural norms in Bhutan offers a wealth of insights that can inspire and inform academic approaches to teaching in countries with traditional forms of education and limited access to resources.

Biography of Writers as a Motivation for Creative Skills of Primary School Students

In addition to education and training, formation of skills of practical application of the acquired knowledge is the goal of modern school. Therefore, the ability to use what has been learnt as a sample, as an example, is formed in pupils who get acquainted with biographies of writers and poets. Literary works play a special role in the formation of a person's personal qualities and his further development. Presenting information about the author's biography is one of the ways to arouse interest in reading and analyzing a work of fiction. The article argumentatively shows the role of studying the biography of the writer as a motivation in teaching for the development of creative abilities of younger pupils. The biographical method should be used as an element, which helps to prepare children to perceive and analyze the studied literary work.

Assessing Students' Creative Thinking With The Implementation of Design Thinking Based Project

The focus of this study is to apply design-thinking learning to measure students' creative thinking skills in microbiology courses at universities. The type of pre-experimental research with one group pretest - posttest design. Respondents were 27 student in four semester in the biology education study program, Hamzanwadi University FMIPA. Data collection techniques using Worksheets based project with indicators for design project: problem, solution, objective, and procedure. Data analysis techniques are descriptive quantitative by calculating the gain test of creative thinking skills, the percentage of creative thinking ability categories, and the percentage of fermentation product categories. The creative thinking gain score on the components: posing problems 1.09., proposing solutions 0.88., stating objectives 1.07., and compiling work methods 1.65 with a high category. The percentage of product categories made is general 29.2%, and modification 0.8%, no new fermentation products are produce. Through design thinking, educators can adjust their teaching methods to meet the various learning styles of students, making materials more accessible and relative. By combining real-world problems and practical activities into learning, students are encouraged to think creatively when solving challenges related to microbiology, resulting in creativity in making fermentation products. Design thinking based project learning can measure students' creative thinking skills in microbiology courses, even though at the ideate stage they repeatedly prepare project designs during the learning process and at the prototype stage there is a failure in making fermented products

PELATIHAN DESAIN APLIKASI CANVA DALAM MENINGKATKAN SOFTSKILL MAHASISWA STIE INDONESIA JAKARTA DENGAN MEDIA HANDPHONE

Increasing soft skills in students is crucial in facing the digital era. This journal examines the effectiveness of Canva application design training in improving the soft skills of students. This training aims to improve students' graphic design skills, creativity and visual communication skills. The method used is a direct tutorial, where students are guided to understand and operate Canva. Data is collected through overall research and documentation. As a result, students are expected to be able to apply these skills in society and have the potential to open a business, thereby increasing their creativity and independence in the digital era.

Language Policy under NEP: 2020 – A Critical Analysis

Education is the backbone of a country. Education also plays vital role to upload national unity. Thus education policy always plays a congruent role in the spread of education in a country. Education policy acts as a basic requirement of a country. Any education policy sets on the analysis of the past. It deals with the need of the present days and also focuses on the possibilities of the future. Like the other countries, India also felt the need of a well- planned education policy to ensure all-round development of our society at large. The new education policy of India enlightens preservation as well as development of all Indian languages but the problem lays in the fact that India being a multilingual and multicultural country will select which particular language as a medium of instruction in the education system. NEP 2020 for the first time harps on introducing mother tongue as a medium of instruction at the primary level. All the relevant aspects of language issues are carefully integrated from paragraphs 4.11 to 4.22 very carefully under the heading ‘Multilingualism’ in NEP 2020. The inclusion of many vernacular languages in educational curriculum will definitely protect endangered languages in India. It will also help the students to be connected with the culture of the nation. Indirectly, this will help our students to increase qualitative creative skills. NEP 2020 has proposed to implement ‘Three-Language-Formula’ to promote multilingualism from the school level. The objective of NEP 2020 is to make the students proficient in different languages and also know the mother tongue to be respectful and knowledgeable about the ancient literature. The objective of this study is to identify the necessity of new education policy (NEP 2020) and its impact on education system of our country for holistic development of the students from primary to higher education. Key Words: Education system, Multilingualism, Multicultural, Holistic Development, Three-Language Formula.

STEM-based ecology module development for differentiated learning in agroecosystem of junior high schools

The study aims to describe the development of an integrated STEM-based ecological module to improve creative thinking skills and learning outcomes in agroecosystems in differentiated learning. The research method is developing the Thiagarajan Four-D model with a one-group pretest-posttest design. Validation data were obtained from module validation, learning design, creative thinking skills rubric, and learning outcome test. Practicality is determined based on teacher and student responses, learning implementation, and readability tests. Effectiveness is determined based on the N-gain value of creative thinking skills and learning outcomes. The results of the study were very significant: the score of module validation was 90.21, the result of all practice indicators was 92.9, the N-gain effectiveness result of creative thinking skills was 0.86, and the N-gain result of learning outcomes was 0.92. In conclusion, the STEM-based ecological module in differentiated classes is valid, practical, and effective in improving creative thinking skills and learning outcomes.

Impact of Augmented Reality-Based Learning on Preparing Children for Creative Reading Skills in Childhood Education Stage

This study investigated the impact of augmented reality (AR)-based learning on developing creative reading skills in early childhood education. Using validated instruments, including an AR-based learning guide, and a creative reading skills test, the study involved 254 primary school children from northern Jordan. The sample of the study was divided into an experimental group of 127 children who engaged with AR technology, and a control group of 127 children who received traditional teaching. Findings indicated that the experimental group scored significantly higher on the creative reading skills test than the control group. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA confirmed these differences as significant, underscoring the effectiveness of AR-based learning in improving creative reading skills. These results suggest that AR technology holds potential to develop learning outcomes in early childhood settings. Based on these findings, it is recommended to integrate AR technology into early childhood curricula to better support children’s creative reading abilities. As an engaging and interactive tool, AR can nurture creative thinking and cognitive skills that go beyond traditional teaching. Additionally, AR transforms learning into a stimulating, multidimensional experience that enhances children’s motivation to engage actively in the educational process. By creating virtual environments with interactive elements, AR aligns learning closely with real-world contexts, promoting innovative approaches to reading skill development. Further research should explore AR applications in other early childhood education areas, and expand AR-based educational tools, with an emphasis on adapting content to local cultural contexts to achieve effective, impactful results in children’s skills development.

Project-Based Educational Development Management to Improve Teachers' Creative Skills Through a Differentiated Teaching Approach

This study aims to develop project-based education development management to improve teachers' creative skills through a differentiated teaching approach. The challenges of 21st-century education demand increased teachers' creative thinking skills, which are very important in teaching. This study involved 63 teachers from two high schools in Solo, Central Java, who were selected purposively. The research instrument was a descriptive test that measured teachers' creative thinking skills after receiving materials with the Differentiated Instruction approach. The development of this model used the 4D approach (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate), which aims to ensure the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of the model's application. The results showed that applying a differentiated teaching approach significantly improved teachers' creative thinking skills compared to conventional teaching methods. This increase was more visible in the group of teachers with middle and upper ability categories, while in the lower ability category, no significant increase was found. These findings indicate that a differentiated teaching approach, combined with a project-based learning model and the 4D method, can effectively develop teachers' creative skills, so it is expected to improve the quality of teaching in schools.

Exploring employable profiles of elite student athletes through fsQCA: unleashing the power of their soft skills

PurposeTo analyse the degree to which elite student athletes acquire different soft skills (resilience, creativity, proactivity and problem solving) and the role they play in their perceived employability.Design/methodology/approachThe study assessed 163 elite Spanish student athletes. A validated survey to measure perceived employability and the degree of acquisition of soft skills was employed. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyse the data.FindingsStudents and athletes perceived a high degree of development of these skills and employability. Six solutions accounting for 64% of the cases were identified for achieving high employability levels. Three profiles emphasised combinations of elevated resilience with either creativity or problem-solving skills. Education and competition levels differed depending on the skill combination. Identifying and promoting the transferability of student athletes’ sports skills to the labour market was important for enhancing their employability. Collaboration with academic institutions and increased awareness of social media can facilitate the successful integration of elite athletes into the labour market.Originality/valueThe development and analysis of soft skills in the context of sports provide a foundation for future research in the field of athlete employability. This paper provides important information for academic institutions, through a novel method in the field, on the development and transfer of student-athlete soft skills from sports to the labour market.

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION: A READING OF THE ALGERIAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE LIGHT OF THE KNOWLEDGE INDEX

Objective: The purpose of this research is to assess and understand the condition and difficulties facing the education system, in Algeria in light of the knowledge economy, with particular focus on the alignment between university outputs and labor market demands. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on the concept of the knowledge based economy model which underscores the pressing requirement for institutions to adjust to progress and changing economic landscapes. It examines the relationship between higher education outcomes and economic development in developing nations. Method: The study employs an analytical approach to evaluate Algeria's higher education system, examining public spending patterns, graduate employment rates, and the alignment between academic programs and market needs. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that with rises, in funding, for public education and enhancements educational inputs, Algeria faces persistent challenges: (1) high unemployment rates among university graduates, (2) misalignment between academic training and industry requirements, and (3) limited focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in university curricula. Research Implications: The study recommends strategic reforms including: (1) reorienting universities toward entrepreneurship education, (2) strengthening research and innovation capabilities, and (3) developing learning environments that foster creativity and practical skills. These changes aim to shift from a purely employment-focused model to one that emphasizes job creation. Originality/Value: In this study a thorough examination of the education system, in Algeria is presented within the framework of the knowledge economy., offering evidence-based recommendations for transforming universities from institutions that prepare job seekers to centers that create job creators, thereby contributing to sustainable economic development.