Summary:
Ιn recent years, the rapid development of human activities all over the world and the problems which have arisen from them, have contributed to the need for creative individuals who posses not only ingenuity but also flexibility. These changes can be utilized in a positive way and the problems can be solved in a creative way.
Over the past decades the international educational community, through research, has recognized the importance of cultivating creativity in an ever changing world, as creativity has emerged as one of the basic educational purposes.
According to this research the focal point of interest is the development of creativity amongst teachers of Religion Education in their lesson. Due to the new curriculum (2017) when motivation was given to educators in order to promote creativity in the classroom, the sole aim of the research was to study varying opinions, different aspects and skills so as to be utilized in the lesson of Religious Education. Moreover, at the same time seeking the relationship between the development of creativity with professional development as well as the obstacles they face. Finally, the study examines the relationship of creativity with professional satisfaction, but also the factors which influence the teachers’ opinions towards creativity in their lesson. As far as the above opinions are concerned the quantitative method of research was conducted, while the data was gathered using a closed questionnaire in which 304 educators were surveyed.
According to the results of the survey it was verified that the majority of the Religious Education teachers had positive views towards creativity in society as a whole and at school in general. In particular, in the Religious Education lesson, the opinions revealed that to a great extend creativity was recognized as a basic factor in effective learning and it was adopted partially in their teaching methods.The majority agree that their creativity is greatly dependent upon their professional development which many pursue and how it is related to the professional satisfaction they desire. However, contradictory views were observed, as well as confusing ones, in topics related to the term of creativity, creative thinking by students and creativity in educational practices, which sometimes seem to be set aside in order to be given priority to the material at hand.These confusing and opposing views highlight the need for planning and implementation of educational programs, which will enrich the lifelong training of Religious Education teachers, according to the principles of education of adults. The ultimate goal is the transformation of ideas and attitudes for creativity in instructive methodology, but also in creative behavior in the classroom and at school in general.
Keywords:
creativity, education, religion education, teachers of religion education, professional development, professional satisfaction, adult education, transformation.
