The effectiveness of a design thinking tool for the development of creativity in teaching STEM subjects among special needs education teachers

Balakrishnan, Balamuralithara

Abstract

This study aims to explore the effectiveness of a Design Thinking (DT) tool toward special needs education teachers who taught Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects at the primary level. The impact of the DT tool was explored in the context of lesson plan design for STEM subjects and in the development of creative skills among the special education teachers. Data were elicited from open-ended interviews involving a group of special education teachers who were chosen among the participants of a DT workshop, which was also conducted by the researchers. The findings revealed that the DT tool helped facilitate the teachers to design and develop suitable STEM teaching activities for students with disabilities to learn the subjects effectively. In addition, the DT tool also facilitated the teachers to unleash their creative skills in the teaching process. From the findings, the use of the DT tool has the potential to create a new teaching paradigm for STEM subjects in special needs education and instilling creative skills among teaching practitioners. ? 2021 Common Ground Research Networks, Balamuralithara Balakrishnan,. All Rights Reserved.

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