Problem Solving and Creativity in Public Policy Courses: Promoting Interest and Civic Engagement

18 Pages Posted: 1 Feb 2013 Last revised: 7 Feb 2013

See all articles by Clayton Wukich

Clayton Wukich

Sam Houston State University

Michael D. Siciliano

University of Illinois at Chicago

Abstract

This article examines the impact of problem-solving and creativity exercises on student interest and behavior related to public policy and civic engagement. Researchers have long described policymaking as a function of problem solving. Creativity has also been identified as an important component of the process (see Dunn, 2008). While these skills are promoted in upper-level and graduate courses, they are difficult to implement in introductory curricula. The authors outline a series of problem-based creativity exercises designed for an introductory public policy course and explore their relationship to interest in public policy, civic engagement, and other concepts using a nonequivalent control group design.

Keywords: Public Policy, Problem Solving, Creativity, Study of Teaching & Learning

Suggested Citation

Wukich, Clayton and Siciliano, Michael D., Problem Solving and Creativity in Public Policy Courses: Promoting Interest and Civic Engagement. APSA 2013 Teaching and Learning Conference Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2209975 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2209975

Clayton Wukich (Contact Author)

Sam Houston State University ( email )

1803 Ave I
Huntsville, TX 77341
United States

Michael D. Siciliano

University of Illinois at Chicago ( email )

1200 W Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60607
United States

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