Creative learning environments in education: a systematic literature review

Davies, D, Jindal-Snape, D, Collier, C, Digby, R, Hay, P and Howe, A (2013) 'Creative learning environments in education: a systematic literature review.' Thinking Skills and Creativity, 8 (April). pp. 80-91. ISSN 1871-1871

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2012.07.004

Abstract

This paper reports on a systematic review of 210 pieces of educational research, policy and professional literature relating to creative environments for learning in schools, commissioned by Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS). Despite the volume of academic literature in this field, the team of six reviewers found comparatively few empirical studies published in the period 2005–2011 providing findings addressing the review objectives. There was, however a reasonable weight of research evidence to support the importance of the following factors in supporting creative skills development in children and young people: flexible use of space and time; availability of appropriate materials; working outside the classroom/school; ‘playful’ or ‘games-bases’ approaches with a degree of learner autonomy; respectful relationships between teachers and learners; opportunities for peer collaboration; partnerships with outside agencies; awareness of learners’ needs; and non-prescriptive planning. The review also found evidence for impact of creative environments on pupil attainment and the development of teacher professionalism. LTS intend to use the review as a basis for recommendations to Scottish schools in promoting creativity within Curriculum for Excellence. However, the findings of the review and methodological gaps in the reviewed studies have implications for policy, practice and research internationally.

Item Type: Article
Note:

This paper is based on the presentation by D.Davies, C. Collier, R. Digby, D. Jindal-Snape, P. Hay, P and A. Howe, at the 'Educational Research In An Age of Austerity' conference, November 2011 in Stirling, Scotland.

Keywords: systematic review, learning environment, creative skills, pedagogy, professional development
Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
Divisions: School of Education
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2012.07.004
Date Deposited: 08 Jan 2013 12:19
Last Modified: 10 Oct 2022 13:10
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/502
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