A Case Study of Chinese Students’ and IEP Faculty Perceptions of a Creativity and Critical Thinking Course

Abstract

The attention to fostering learners’ critical thinking and creativity skills in secondary school and college students is growing in Western and non-Western countries. This study investigated the integration of a creativity and critical thinking course in an Intensive English Programs (IEP) to determine how the same course may contribute to international students’ linguistic skills and analytic abilities in preparation for college. Perry’s (1970) conceptual framework was adopted to analyze Chinese students’ views of problems presented in a creativity and critical thinking course, and how the same knowledge related to the Chinese students’ prior educational experiences as well as connect to their future studies. IEP faculty and administrator’s perceptions provided an additional perspective into the purpose and learning outcomes of the same course. Findings from this research address a gap in the literature that seeks effective strategies and models for IEPs to foster international students’ analytic skills in preparation for college studies.