FOSTERING CREATIVITY IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION THROUGH IN-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION

This paper illustrates various concept and traits of creativity as well as factors contributing to enhancing the divergent thinking skills of in-service teachers with descriptions made onthe activities for fostering creativity which were conducted at SEAMEO RECSAM, the center of excellence for training, as well as research and development in Science and Mathematics Education. Some strengths and opportunities for future training programs are explained briefly in this paper. Teachers play important roles in fostering students creativity. As such, their exposure to the concept of creativity, as well as the traininggiven to enhance their creative or divergent thinking skills are important for their continuing professional development (CPD). In the subsequent sections, this paper reports on hoe SEAMEO RECSAM as regional center in Science and Mathematics Education hasprovided training grounds for fostering creativity through in-service teacher education including implementing regular and customized courses, as well as other initiatives such as the conduct of research and development, the organization of seminar/workshops/ competitions/congresses and publications. Sample o activities to foster the various traits of creativity are illustrated, extracted from classrooms activities and participants project to foster creativity in Science and Mathematics Education. Some ideas had been implemented and suggestions for future training in Science and Mathematics Education are also illustrated.