The effectiveness of a training program based on active learning strategies in developing the creative thinking skills of female students with learning disabilities

Abstract

The importance of programs that develop the thinking skills of students has been emphasized by many educational researchers. However, the majority of these studies have focused on developing these skills of gifted students and of students in public schools. Few have focused on developing and strengthening such skills in students with learning disabilities. Thus, we aimed to a test a program that elevates thinking skills using a sample who have learning disabilities. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 20 female sixth-grade students with learning disabilities who were divided into an experimental group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 10). The instruments utilized were the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT)-Figural Test B and a training program based on active learning strategies (e.g. discussion, dialogue, brain-storming, mind-mapping) comprising 18 training sessions over 6 weeks. Differences (<0.01) between the scores of the experimental group and those of the control group on the post-test were found in favour of the experimental group. There were also differences between the mean scores of the experimental group in the pre- and post-test in favour of the post-test. Through a follow-up test administered 6 weeks after the conclusion of the experiment, we confirmed that the effectiveness of the program was maintained. The program increased fluency. originality, the ability to elaborate, flexibility and, thus, total creative thinking.

Keywords

• Learning strategies
• creative thinking
• learning disabilities
• Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT)
• training program
• Classroom Practice