Developed and maintained by Frank LaBanca, Ed.D.
Dr. LaBanca was recognized by eSchool News and Discovery as the 2006 National Outstanding Classroom Blogger for his blog, Applied Science Research
In Search of Creativity was a 2011 Edublog Awards Finalist in the "Best Teacher Blog" Category
Problem finding is the creative ability to define or identify a problem. The process involves consideration of alternative views or definitions of a problem that are generated and selected for further consideration. Problem finding requires individuals to set objectives, define purposes, decide what is interesting, and ultimately decide what they want to study.
Andragony offers an effective use of formative assessment 10/22/08
Do teachers understand? 1/31/08
An apparent paradox in idea and workload 8/29/07
The disenfranchised student, the suspect counselor, and a reflection on an Ed Tech’s perspective 6/1/07
A chat with Carol 5/2/07
I recently completed and received approval for an IRB proposal to study exemplary science research students. The study will be qualitative. I am hoping to find an insight into their creative processes that I have not noticed or have overlooked. Perhaps a pattern in the students’ responses will lead me better. I am taking Ralph’s advice: put your questions to nature. So what is high school scientific creativity and how do we promote it? I think the key is to ask questions that are relevant to creative thought as well as the nature of science. I think I will bring the USRT as well, and have the students complete that.
Here is the current question battery:
The Process
Describe the process you went through to get your idea for your research project. How did you go from a general idea, to a focused problem/project? What were some of the rewards? Obstacles?What are some of the frustrations with research?What kind of advice would you give to another student who wanted to conduct research?Many students conduct research, yet your project was selected to represent the state of Connecticut? What makes you more successful than all of the other students?
Creativity
What is creativity?Are science and creativity related?How are you creative?When are you creative?
The Scientist
What are some words to describe a scientist? What are some words that don’t describe a scientist?What does a scientist look like?How are scientists different/similar from artists/musicians? Journalists? Politicians? Wait staff? Salespeople?How are you different/similar to students who don’t conduct research, but may be of similar intellect?How are you different/similar to students who do research but have less experience than you do?How are you different/similar to your mentor? If you were going to run a lab, what would it be like?
