Fostering a creative environment in Maltese primary schools

Abstract

The study starts with an analysis of the Maltese educational system as seen in the eyes of local authors concerned with the issue. The literature portrays the positive aspects within the system but also considers the flaws or blocks that might hinder the learning process of individuals. An extensive literature review, presented in Chapter 2, offers different definitions of creativity, highlighting sources from where creativity stems, with particular emphasis to everyday creativity. These are all discussed in the light of creativity in education and the benefits to curriculum quality. After establishing and describing the methodology of the study conducted, the analysis and the results of this same study are presented, organised according to how the questions appear in the pre-defined sequence. The data collected deals with the participants' view of creativity, both in terms of definition but also in view of the importance, if any, that creativity should have on the educational agenda. Special emphasis is placed on the physical and 'mental' environments present in Maltese primary schools, and also on to what extent they can be considered to be conducive to creativity. The results of the data analysis reveal constraints to creativity in the Maltese educational system, but nevertheless also show the commitment of Heads of primary schools and their teams. The final chapter summarises what has been learned through the findings and proposes recommendations on how creative environments could be encouraged and ensured so as to be more in line with the proposals of the National Minimum Curriculum.