Analysis of strategies used in Cultural and Artistic Education for the development of creative thinking

Análisis de las estrategias empleadas en Educación Cultural y Artística para el desarrollo del pensamiento creativo

Abstract

Cultural and Artistic Education (CAE) is essential for cognitive development. This study analyzes CAE teaching strategies that promote creative thinking in 12 seventh-grade students from the “Primero de Mayo” Educational Unit in Zumba, Ecuador. An exploratory research with a mixed approach was conducted, using a quantitative and qualitative survey for students and a literature review on creative thinking strategies. The results indicate that all students recognize the importance of CAE in developing creative thinking. The main strategies identified are drawing and painting, which generate motivation to discover and enhance creativity. The study concludes that, despite the limitations of the rural context, it is feasible to develop creative thinking through accessible and appropriate strategies. Students show significant advances in their creative abilities compared to previous periods. It is recommended to conduct future experimental research to establish correlations between creative thinking and academic performance, as well as to delve deeper into related concepts such as divergent and lateral thinking. The development of creative thinking is recognized as a valuable competence that can generally contribute to improving academic performance and as a cognitive ability for everyday life.