The Study of the Current Situation and Needs for Development of Learning Activities with Mobile Devices Based on Steam Education Concepts and Lateral Thinking Technique to Enhance Creative Problem Solving Ability of Upper Elementary Students

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the essential needs for developing mobile based learning activities aligned with the STEAM education approach and integrated with lateral thinking techniques to enhance creative problem solving abilities among upper elementary school students. The sample consisted of 384 teachers teaching upper elementary levels in schools under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Private Education Commission (OPEC). The research instrument was a questionnaire designed to assess the current state and needs for developing mobile based learning activities aligned with the STEAM education approach and integrated with lateral thinking techniques to promote creative problem solving skills among upper elementary students.

The results revealed that the current state of developing such learning activities was at a moderate level. Specifically, the aspect of utilizing technology to enhance creative problem solving abilities ranked highest, followed by teaching and learning processes for fostering creative problem solving abilities. In contrast, the desired state was at a high level. Teaching and learning processes for promoting creative problem solving abilities ranked highest, followed by the utilization of technology to enhance creative problem solving abilities.