Article Gold Open Access 2024

Fostering creativity in kindergarten: The impact of collaborative project-based learning

South African Journal of Childhood Education
Journal · Vol. 14 · Issue 1 · Art. a1462
Abstract

Background: Early childhood education (ECE) is crucial in cultivating creativity, especially in today’s tech-savvy world. This study explores the impact of collaborative project-based learning (PjBL) with computer and play motivation on kindergarten children’s creativity. Aim: Our research aimed to determine if collaborative PjBL, combined with computer-based activities, enhances creativity compared to independent PjBL. We also examined the influence of play motivation on computer-based creativity. Setting: The study was conducted in Makassar Lotus Kindergarten, Indonesia, involving 30 Grade B kindergarten students. Methods: We employed a post-test control group design and systematically selected two matched classes. The experimental group engaged in collaborative PjBL, focussing on computer activities to foster creativity, while the control group experienced independent PjBL. Creativity assessment encompassed originality, art, fluency, flexibility, self-actualisation, and creative skills. Results: Collaborative PjBL had a more significant impact on children’s computer-based creativity than independent PjBL. Children with high play motivation also exhibited higher creativity levels during computer-based activities. Conclusion: This study underscores the potential of collaborative PjBL in promoting creativity among kindergarten children in the digital era. It highlights the significance of innovative teaching methods and children’s intrinsic motivation in nurturing creativity. Contribution: These findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on effective ECE strategies that harness technology to foster creativity. © 2024. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Project-Based Learning Creativity childhood Kindergarten collaborative play computer media

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Department of Early Childhood Teacher Education, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia
Department of Non-Formal Education, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
1 Ahmad, Selamat Triono, Project-based Learning in Vocational Education: A Bibliometric Approach, International Journal of Modern Education and Computer Science, 15, 4, pp. 43-56, (2023)
2 Anwar, Saira, A systematic review of studies on educational robotics, Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 9, 2, pp. 19-42, (2019)
3 Barrett, Margaret S., Creative Collaboration and Collaborative Creativity: A Systematic Literature Review, Frontiers in Psychology, 12, (2021)
4 Brown, Amber L., Doing projects with young children in a field-based early childhood education course, Educational Studies, 48, 5, pp. 692-707, (2022)
5 Chandio, Navira, Barriers and enablers in the implementation and sustainability of toothbrushing programs in early childhood settings and primary schools: a systematic review, BMC Oral Health, 22, 1, (2022)
6 Chen, Huirong, Application of IT-Integrated Project-Based Learning in the Teaching Reform of Undergraduate Education, International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning, 16, 5, pp. 248-260, (2021)
7 Sage Encyclopedia of Contemporary Early Childhood Education, (2016)
8 Denervaud, Solange, Education shapes the structure of semantic memory and impacts creative thinking, npj Science of Learning, 6, 1, (2021)
9 Du, Yaolin, Creativity fostering teacher behavior on student creative achievement: Mediation of intrinsic motivation and moderation of openness to experience, School Psychology International, 40, 5, pp. 525-542, (2019)
10 Espinosa, Tobias, Reducing the gender gap in students' physics self-efficacy in a team- and project-based introductory physics class, Physical Review Physics Education Research, 15, 1, (2019)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
7
Times Cited (Scopus)

References 10
Document Identifiers