Preservice Teachers & Creativity Education

The aim of this research is to explore preservice teachers' engagement with an interdisciplinary module on creativity and innovation in education which was introduced in response to calls for a greater emphasis on creativity in education in Ireland. The module is significant in that it explores creativity and innovation through a combined focus on digital media, linguistic responsiveness and drama education as a means of supporting the development of a creativity mindset among preservice teachers. It is the first of its kind to take such an approach in the initial teacher education sector in Ireland. The project is underpinned by a qualitative, interpretive approach to research, using anonymous online surveys and focus groups as methods of data collection to ascertain participants’ views, experiences and practices in relation to promoting creativity and innovation in post-primary education and practical pedagogic implications for their future teaching.