Workshops in creative education for students and teachers in the United States and Japan

The authors Barry and Kanematsu have initiated an international program to develop students´ creative thinking skills in science and engineering. Their program (which is beneficial to students of all ages in the U.S. and Japan) has the main goals of turning students onto science and engineering, and to preparing them to be creative problem solvers. This creative education program is carried out through workshops, using several innovative teaching techniques developed by the authors. A variety of workshops are being conducted in the U.S. and Japan to diverse groups such as elementary students, middle school students, college students, and teachers. It is important to turn young students onto science and engineering, so they will pursue further studies in these fields and make career choices to be scientists and engineers. Of equal importance is the preparation of teachers (especially at the elementary levels) to turn children onto science, to promote creative thinking, and to encourage students to express innovative ideas. Creative education workshop activities and results, included in this successful program, are presented and discussed.