Development of Creativity and Innovation Skills in Developing Research Proposals for Students Using Creative-Based Learning Innovation Integrated with Design Thinking Processes in the Subject of Research Methodology in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Digital Innovation, Thaksin University, Phatthalung Campus

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) develop an instructional innovation based on creativity integrated with the design thinking process for the course Research Methodology in Biological Sciences, 2) assess students' creative and innovative thinking skills in research proposal development, and 3) evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented instructional model. The participants consisted of 16 undergraduate students enrolled in the course during the second semester of the 2023 academic year, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments included a learning management plan, a creative and innovative thinking skills assessment, a research proposal evaluation rubric, and a teaching effectiveness evaluation form. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings indicated that:

            Students demonstrated a high level of creative and innovative thinking skills. The overall quality of their research proposals, particularly in the context of social innovation and entrepreneurship, was rated as good. Furthermore, the instructional model was evaluated as highly effective. These results suggest that integrating creativity-based learning with the design thinking process can significantly enhance students' capacity to formulate research problems related to social innovation and entrepreneurship with a strong foundation in creativity and innovation.