Creative Thinking Skills of Students through Design-Based Learning: A Mandate for Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria.

Abstract

This paper explores the importance of equipping students with Creative thinking skills in response to the growing demand from employers in the 21st century. Specifically focusing on junior secondary schools in Nigeria, the study investigates strategies for restructuring the educational system to foster the development of Creative thinking abilities among young learners using design-based learning, to make them problems solvers; hence they become asset in the society rather than liabilities to the Nigerian society. This paper in clear terms examined the concept of Creative thinking, the importance of Creative thinking to the nation, Design-Based Learning as a methods of inculcating Creative thinking skills in students specifically in junior secondary educational level. It was concluded that Creative thinking skills are critical for personal success, national peace, progress, and development, it should be integrated at all levels of education, especially at the secondary level of education, for the common good of all. It was recommended among others that teachers should adopt innovative and suitable methods of teaching, such as design-based learning, that are consistent with the development of Creative thinking skills in students.