The Effectiveness Open-Ended learning and Creative Problem Solving Models to Teach Creative Thinking Skills

Abstract

Creative thinking skills are part of globalization era education and can be applied by implementing innovative learning models. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the open-ended learning and creative problem solving models to teach students’ creative thinking skills on learning mathematics in elementary school. This research applied quantitative research with quasi-experimental method. Jebres District, Surakarta, Indonesia is the research area. Fourth grade elementary school students became the sample of this study. This study used a stratified cluster random sampling technique. After sampling, the research sample amounted to 270 students. Data collection techniques used test techniques, observation, and documentation studies. From the test results, this study found the result that the observation test value was 32.79 or more than the critical area of 3.02. Thus, the open ended learning and creative problem solving learning model affects creative thinking skills. In the comparative test, the open ended learning model is more effective than the creative problem solving and direct instruction models, and the creative problem solving learning model is more effective than the direct instruction model. These findings can be used as a guide for teachers to apply open learning models for their learning or creative problem solving models that are proven to affect creative thinking skills.