The effect of SCAMPER activities on 7th grade students' creative thinking, science achievement and perceptions

Abstract

Background Creativity, a universally present and essential trait in both education and daily life, plays a pivotal role in science education by fostering innovation and enhancing problem-solving skills. The SCAMPER technique, an acronym for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to other uses, Eliminate, and Reverse, is a structured brainstorming method designed to stimulate creative thinking and achievement. Purpose This study aimed to examine the effects of SCAMPER-based activities on 7th-grade students' creative thinking and academic achievement in science, as well as to explore students' perceptions of the SCAMPER technique. Participants The research sample comprised 43 7(th)-grade students, divided into an experimental group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 22). Design and methods A mixed-method research design was used in the research, integrating quantitative (pre/post-tests on creativity and academic achievement) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) approaches. Results SCAMPER activities led to statistically significant improvements in both creative thinking and science achievement, with higher gains observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Qualitative data supported these findings, indicating that students found SCAMPER engaging and helpful for understanding science content and stimulating their imagination. The quantitative improvements in creativity and achievement were further supported by students' qualitative feedback. For instance, the observed gain in ECAT scores aligns with student reflections emphasizing deeper understanding and active thinking. Conversely, students who reported fatigue or difficulty may account for the lack of uniform improvement, suggesting a divergence between test scores and perceived experience. This convergence and divergence of data types strengthen the study's internal validity and highlight the multifaceted nature of SCAMPER's influence. Conclusion The SCAMPER technique positively impacts students' creativity, academic performance, and attitudes toward science. It provides a meaningful and engaging learning experience and offers a promising pedagogical tool for fostering creative thinking in science education.