Reflection on Research Article Review

In order to develop skills and be up-to-date with science when teaching this subject in the classroom, it is important that teachers are constantly reviewing research articles. By reading research articles, teachers can develop a deeper understanding of what they are teaching and can apply the new skills that they learned in the classroom so that students can get a strong experience from what they are learning. 

The research article that I chose is called, "Thinking Creatively about Science: Suggestions for Primary Teachers" by Karen S. Meador. In this article, the author discusses how students are able to really learn through experiences, discoveries, and creative thinking skills. It is important that students use their creative thinking skills in science in order come up with ideas and think outside of the box. The author stresses that this is an important skill that scientists need to have. She states that "Even though our students will not all become scientists, it is important to initiate creative thinking within academic content, maximizing the potential of those who do choose this profession. Additionally, all students who learn to think creatively, while engaging in scientific endeavors, hone skills applicable to other contents" (26). Creative thinking skills are not only important for scientists but for the majority of all professions. This can also help beat the stereotype that only smart men can be scientists. By stressing to students that they have strong creative thinking skills just like real scientists, this can inspire many students to want to be scientists one day. A teacher is a role model who can take their passion about science and make students passionate about it too. 

Creative thinking skills can install a sense of flexibility in the minds of the students when learning about science. Meador states that "In science, flexible students think of different types of variables that may impact a phenomenon. Flexible thinkers also have the ability to look at things from multiple perspectives" (26). This sense of flexibility can help students problem solving skills. These skills are crucial when using the process of inquiry during hands-on experiments. The students need to be able to come up with multiple ideas and communicate their thoughts in order to reach conclusions and gain a deeper understanding of what they are learning. 

This research article also shows how students will highly benefit from experiences and discoveries in the classroom. It is important that students get the change to be engaged and involved with science in order to develop a positive attitude about it and gain a deeper knowledge of it. Meador states "Primary educators set the stage for discovery and investigation by preparing an environment in which youngsters may encounter appropriate stimulation, igniting their sense of wonder and inviting questions" (26). The classroom should be a place where students can explore with appropriate and hands-on activities. It will make the students question more about what they are doing which is a good thing. As teachers, we want the students to be involved as much as possible in science and discovery things that they have never thought or heard of before. This is where they will really learn more about science and hopefully develop a passion for it. 

The research articles also gives various examples of classroom appropriate activities and experiments that students can be involved in when it comes to science. For example, one of the activities is called "Attribute Socks" where students use their senses and practice their observation skills. In this activity, "Students practice observation using touch, smell, and sound as they determine the attributes of objects placed inside socks. The socks are tied at the top so students cannot see the objects" (27). Using observation skills is an important skill that scientists need to use. This activity also let's the students imagination go wild by letting them express their creative thinking skills. This is just one of the many activities that this article provides.

I chose this article because I was fascinated by this stress on creative thinking skills. I have never considered this to be a skill that would be important to science. I always thought that this was important for something like creative writing. This article taught me a lot about teaching science and I will apply this stress on creative thinking skills in my future classroom. 

Meador, K. S. (2003). Thinking Creatively about Science: Suggestions for Primary Teachers. Gifted Child Today, 26 (1), 25-29.