Creativity in Ibero-American Early Childhood Education Curricula

Abstract

Given the wide diversity of conceptions of creativity, this study analyzes ten Ibero-American early childhood education curricula with the aim of finding out what concept, approach, and teaching methodology they propose for creativity. The research addresses two questions: what is the implicit or explicit notion of creativity held by the Early Childhood curricula, and what methodological recommendations are included to foster creativity in the classroom? The study used qualitative methodology, specifically content analysis completed with expert judgement. Results showed the importance of creativity in the curricula analyzed and highlighted not only the need to clarify the term at a conceptual level, but also to examine in depth the teaching and learning methodologies used. In conclusion, the study urges to strengthen artistic training in both initial and continuing education studies.