Generative Thinking Among Young Zimbabwean Children: A Case Of The Third Eye

Abstract

The present investigation compared the generative thinking of second-graders (7-8-year-olds) and fifth-graders (10-11-year-olds) in order to see the extent of generative thinking among children of different ages. Precisely, the study aimed, to test age trends in children’s generative thinking. Participants were 40 second-graders and 40 fifth-graders, randomly Selected from four schools in Harare’s high-density suburbs.The research design used in this study was of a survey type. Interviews were used to collect- data. Crosstabs and a two sample -test were used to analyse the data. Overall, the study established significant age-related differences in children’s generative thinking. Fifth-graders were more imaginative I generative and Showed more sophistication in their reasoning than second- graders, who mostly patterned their ideas on conventions and thus portrayed limited generativity.