Creative and Collaborative Problem Solving in Technology Education: A Case Study in Primary School Teacher Education

Abstract

In this article, the Creative Technology Education Project (CTEP) is presented, and phases of problem-solving processes in which the participating primary school student teach- ers generate alternatives and evaluate ideas are analyzed. The aims of this project were to intro- duce technology education goals and contents to these students, as well as to offer tools for learn- ing and teaching technology, and to facilitate personal growth. One purpose of the project was to encourage the students to become familiar with technology and problem-solving processes and to develop especially creative skills and abilities (e.g., ideation and the evaluation of ideas). For those purposes, a model was intro- duced, named the Overall Mapping of a Problem Situation (OMPS). This model helps students in ideation (the generation of alterna- tive solutions) and evaluation of ideas when working on project teams. This model was pr