Research
Research Spotlight
Ron Hansen, Faculty of Education, UWO
April 6, 2011
Innovation in Canada and around the world is recognized and valued for its importance to the economy (Conference Board of Canada, 2007). However, learning associated with innovation and human ingenuity is not well understood. Hansen’s research explores the educational and life-course determinants that contribute to human innovativeness (Gulliksen, 2008; Hansen, 2008).
We know that creative learning and thinking is a concept that involves a significant degree of imagination, and often practical intelligence (Kelly, 2008). Hansen’s current research explores the level of creativity among eight year old students studying in Southern Ontario. Students are from both traditional and non-traditional schooling environments.
The study assesses the levels of creative thinking in children and will uncover the determinants of creative thinking more broadly. Once this preliminary investigation is complete, stage two will identify best educational practices and what it takes to nurture the creative talents of young people.
Findings from this research study will be compared to those collected by research partners in Norway who will be completing the same tasks with a similar-sized group of eight-year old students. The research team hypothesizes that differences between the two populations, as well as between the traditional and non-traditional samples in Canadian schools may be attributed to differences in teaching practices and culture.
Ron Hansen is an institutional ethnographer who looks at the stories, beliefs and behaviours of people who work or learn in different types of schools. Cautiously optimistic, his views are formed by his experience as a mechanic and professor of education and experience with teachers, parents, and learning in other cultures.
References:
Conference Board of Canada (2007). How Canada Performs: A Report Card on Canada. Retrieved Nov. 14, 2008, from http://sso.conferenceboard.ca/eLibrary/LayoutAbstract.asp?DID=567
Gulliksen, M.S. (2008). Researching the construction of a formbild. In: Undisciplined! Design Research Society Conference, Sheffield, UK (pp 16-19).
Hansen, R. (2008, Nov). Human Ingenuity Research Project. Paper read at the 5th Annual International Conference on Technology Education Research. Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Brisbane, Australia.
Kelly, R. (2008). The art of creativity. In R. Kelly & C. Leggo (Eds.) Creative expression, creative education. (pp. 13-34). Calgary: Detsilig.
