Challenges and Prospects of Creativity in a Basic Science Classroom: The Perception of the Basic Science Teachers

Abstract

The study looked into the perception of basic science teachers on the challenges and prospects of creativity in a basic science classroom. The researchers adopted a survey research design. Random sampling technique was used to select 100 basic science teachers from secondary schools in Benue State. The questionnaire, tagged Basic Science Teachers’ Creativity Perception Questionnaire (BSTCPQ), was the instrument used to collect data for the study. Data collected was analyzed using percentages and means. Results of the findings revealed that most of the teachers of basic science in secondary schools in Benue State were not qualified. Again, absence of well-equipped laboratory was the most challenging factor militating against creativity in a basic science classroom. Also it was discovered that if teachers of basic science are encouraged to attend seminars and workshops on improvisation and use of modern teaching techniques, creativity can be enhanced in the basic science classrooms. It was therefore recommended that well-equipped basic science laboratories should be established in all secondary schools in Benue State and that the basic science curriculum should be relaxed for creativity to be enhanced in a basic science classroom.