Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
Department of Philosophy of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
2
3- Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
3
Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran
10.22099/jsli.2026.8641
Abstract
Creative thinking is a cognitive process that fosters the development of multifaceted abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and mental flexibility; however, despite its importance, its characteristics and antecedents remain incompletely identified. This study aimed to analyze the concept of creative thinking using Walker and Avant’s conceptual analysis approach and to provide educational implications for its cultivation among students. The study followed Walker and Avant’s (2005) conceptual analysis model in eight steps, and systematic searches were conducted in multiple scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, Noormags, Magiran, and SID) using relevant keywords up to July 2025. The findings showed that creative thinking in students enhances the effective use of cultural and technological resources to generate novel ideas, and that the antecedents and consequences of creative thinking involve a complex interplay of individual, cognitive, educational, and socio-cultural factors that continuously interact to create a conducive environment for creativity. To operationalize the findings, several educational implications were derived, including cultivating mental flexibility, promoting digital and multimedia creativity, strengthening tolerance for ambiguity, and enhancing the expression of individual differences, which can guide educators in teaching creative thinking. Overall, this study examined the various dimensions of creative thinking and provided a systematic framework and guiding principles for its implementation in student development, offering a scientific and systematic understanding of creative thinking and its enactment in student growth that enables practical application in educational and developmental settings.
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