Character, creative thinking and learning achievement in higher education: How they are correlated

Abstract

The current study was designed as a correlation study to reveal the correlation between (a) character and creative thinking skills; (b) character and learning achievement; (c) creative thinking skills and learning achievement; and (d) character, creative thinking skills, and learning achievement. The study population consisted of the fourth-semester students from classes of 2018-2019 at the Department of Biology, Universitas Negeri Makassar. A cluster random sampling technique was used to select two classes consisting of 60 students in total. Data on the students' character were collected through observation, and data on the students' creative thinking skills were gathered using essay tests integrated into achievement tests on Animal Physiology. The character instrument contained five sub-indicators of character that are spiritual, honest, disciplined, responsible, and hardworking. The creative thinking instrument that was integrated into the achievement test contained 12 essay questions. The results of the data analysis showed that there was a correlation between (a) character and creative thinking skills; (b) character and learning achievement; (c) creative thinking skills and learning achievement; and (d) character, creative thinking skills, and learning achievement. This finding suggests that character and creative thinking skills need to be appropriately handled in learning so that increased learning achievement can be accompanied by good character and creative thinking skills.