Evaluating the Creative Abilities of Teacher Trainees at a Higher Education Institution in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Creativity is the skill to create new, unique, suitable, and practical things. Evaluating creativity skills includes assessing an individual’s capacity for innovative thinking, creation of original ideas, and unique problem-solving abilities. Evaluating creativity in a classroom can be difficult yet fulfilling. This study evaluates creativity skills through a science model, which includes originality, fluency, flexibility, and elaboration in thinking and expression. The investigation is founded on the Guilford Model of Intellect. The research was carried out utilising quantitative methods. The study specifically selected 120 students taking the Life Sciences course to participate. The project had a deadline of 3 months for completion. A rubric was provided to students to help them understand how they will be assessed. The study showed that the assessment of creativity skills of students enhances academic performance in Life Sciences. It also showed that teachers can evaluate and encourage creativity in the classroom, creating a setting where students are inspired to explore, develop, and express their creativity. The Teaching and Learning Committee will receive guidance to emphasise the significance of evaluating students with models in science classes. This will boost students’ success and enthusiasm in science classes. Keywords: Creativity Skill, Guilford Model of Intellect, Classroom, Life Sciences, Thinking