Estrategias de creatividad e innovación para mejorar el desarrollo del pensamiento en estudiantes de octavo año del Colegio Juan Montalvo, Machala 2023-2024

Abstract

In the present research, the importance of developing creativity and innovation strategies to improve thinking in 8th-year students is addressed, responding to a quantitative-qualitative field study. Instruments such as interviews and questionnaires were used, which facilitated the systematization of sufficient scientific evidence according to the stated objective. The research units are composed of teachers and students, with a sample of 5 teachers and 120 students. The present project started with the diagnosis of the object of study, the identification of the central problem, and the definition of research objectives, whose main purpose is to implement strategies that reinforce skills, contradicting traditional pedagogies centered on memorization and repetition at Juan Montalvo High School in Machala during the 2023-2024 period. Subsequently, the corresponding variables were identified. Creativity and innovation strategies and the improvement of thinking were developed, forming the conceptual theoretical framework. The results obtained through the various instruments applied in the study allowed us to conclude that teachers do not apply adequate strategies to improve student thinking, which prevents the development of autonomy, skills, and presents difficulties in problem-solving, limiting their creativity. Ultimately, the student does not feel motivated, achieving low academic performance, limiting skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy. It also does not help improve creative and critical thinking, which are necessary to evaluate and create innovative solutions to complex problems and prepare them to face future challenges. Therefore, it was important to suggest as an initiative the organization of a training seminar workshop for teachers that would facilitate knowledge of creativity and innovation strategies to improve thinking in their students, thus improving their educational practice and providing quality education.