Difference in creativity between pre-schoolers following formal and informal education

Abstract

This study examined the differences in creativity between pre-schoolers following formal and informal education. Four participating schools were measured on teaching style and learning environment to make a distinction in type of education. Pre-schoolers were examined using the Torrance Test of Creativity and the Alternative Uses test. The sample size was 92 participants (formal education N = 38, informal education N = 54). Repeated measures of Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to examine the effects of type of education on creativity differences, measured by originality and fluency of both tests. The results of this study did not show a significant difference, when measuring for originality and fluency, in creativity levels of pre-schoolers between formal- and informal education. A possible explanation for these results can be found in other features of education which support the development of creativity skills, such as pedagogic environment and teacher-child relationship.