Examining usability of the six thinking hats technique in playwriting education: Turkey as a case study

Abstract

Efforts to define creativity have started in the 20th century, with the emergence and spread of psychology as a modern discipline. The relationship between creativity and art education is frequently researched globally in the last twenty years, but studies on the relationship between creativity and performing arts education are few in number. Researching the relationship between creativity and dramatic writing education in context of theoretical approaches and practical techniques could develop new ideas and practical tools to be used. The current study aims to examine the usability of the Six Thinking Hats Technique, which is a creative thinking practice, in playwriting education in Turkey. The method of the study is based on a review of available literature and a case study. First, the creativity concept and creative processes were examined; then the Six Thinking Hats Technique was adopted to be implemented in composing a play-text. The study groups consisted of eight sophomore dramatic writing students who have completed their third semester in a public university in Turkey. Lastly, the participant’s opinions were analyzed with a final test. The study concludes that the Six Thinking Hats Technique can be used in group studies, genre determination and final production in playwriting education in Turkey. This technique may also be used to develop new ideas and practice strategies in intra-class group activities during playwriting education.