Educating for Creativity and 21st Century Skills Development: The Role of Design-Based Learning Instructional Strategy

Abstract

EDUCATING FOR CREATIVITY AND 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF DESIGN-BASED LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY. Saifullahi M. Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology Minna Bashir A. U. Department of Science Education, Federal University of Technology Minna Garba Shuaibu Department of Science and Technology Education, Bayero University Kano Osiboye M. O. Department of Science and Technology Education, Bayero University Kano Ahmed T. Department of Physics Federal Collage of Education (Technical) Bichi Abstract Creativity and 21st-century skills are essential for economic development and sustainable national transformation. Fostering these competencies can prepare students not only to succeed in their careers but also to contribute meaningfully to society and face future challenges. The study highlighted the roles of Design-based learning (DBL) in the development of creativity and 21st-century skills. Design-based learning (DBL) plays a critical role in enhancing creativity and skills development in education. This strategy integrates hands-on, mind-on and project-based activities that require students to identify, define, collect information, analyze and solve real-world problems which enhances creativity and 21st-Century skills of the learner. The stages involve in the strategy gives room for students collaboration and brainstorming, these help students develop communication and teamwork skills. Its interdisciplinary nature encourages the application of different knowledge areas, while the iterative design process teaches resilience and a growth mindset. DBL also engages students through relevant, tangible prototype. The study concluded that Design- Based Learning could foster creativity and 21st-century skills when integrated in teaching and learning. And therefore, the study recommended among others that science teachers should employ DBL instructional strategy in teaching science subjects. It was also recommended that administrators should provide all necessary materials needed by teachers and students to integrate DBL into teaching and learning science. Keywords: Design-based learning, creativity, 21st-century skills.