2.1. Creativity Contests Improve Learning Motivation
Focus concept-based exploration can prompt learners to think and integrate information (Erickson, 2002).
Creativity contests provide a “do-it-yourself” learning opportunity and have become an effective way of learning, in which the participants could apply what they have memorized from the past to the contests, or even amend it to establish correct new knowledge. Hong suggested that the purpose of creativity contests is to promote innovation (Hong, 2003); and creativity design-themed activities could strengthen the creativity designs of life technologies and the core abilities of creation (Hou, 2005). It is hoped that the participants’ capabilities of creativity thinking and creation can be stimulated through their participation in the contests, and that they will have memorable experiences and develop deep understanding of the basic principles of science and technology (Chou, 2005).
These types of activities can allow students to link their life experiences and technology. Through practical design activities, discussions, thinking, and the exercise of judgment, the students’ higher-order thinking ability is cultivated and their values are established (Lin & Yu, 2004).
Creativity contests emphasize being ready to respond, unconfined by predetermined mindset; not only having to effectively apply past experiences to new challenges, but also needing to think and try more. In addition to knowing how to do it, one needs to learn how to think so as to develop their ability in critical thinking and creativity (Lumsdaine & Lumsdaine, 1995). Lin (2002) indicated that parents’ creativity approach toward upbringing is highly correlated with the life experiences of senior elementary school children about creativity. Creativity is also one of the key ingredients of playfulness (Staempfli, 2005; Huang, 2006).