An Analysis of the Life Experiences of Educators in Disadvantaged Areas in the Online Creativity Workshop

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate and analyze the experiences of teachers in disadvantaged areas participating in the Creative Instructor Training Workshop, which was held virtually. The study population was all participants in the part-time creativity instructor training courses of the Institute of Free Creative Higher Education in Tehran in 1400. The present sample consisted of 14 participants in the Creative Instructor Training Workshop who were selected by purposive sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews in a zoom interactive context and analyzed by content analysis method, and the interviews were continued until data saturation. Validity was assessed using peer review by colleagues and participants and reliability was assessed by coding the text of three interviews by unknown individuals outside the study. Findings in the form of 383 codes, 33 primary sub-themes and finally 16 repetitive sub-themes reflect the dimensions and quality of training of educators in deprived areas in the online creativity workshop. The results showed that the trainers had significant satisfaction with the workshop and their knowledge, attitude and skills in the field of creativity changed significantly after attending the workshop. Training evaluation questions will help the workshop staff to be more effective in designing and implementing future training program such as developing creative curriculum.

Keywords

• creativity
• instructors' lived-experiences
• creativity instructor training workshop