Investigation of the relationship between preschool teachers innovative thinking tendencies and creativity levels

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between preschool teachers' innovative thinking dispositions and their creativity levels. The research is in relational screening model and its sample consists of 239 preschool teachers working in kindergartens and independent kindergartens affiliated to the Directorate of National Education in the city center of Elâzığ. The data collection tools used within the scope of the research consist of "Innovative Thinking Tendency Scale for Preschool Teachers", "Creativity in Teaching Scale" and "Personal Information Form". The obtained data were analyzed with the help of statistical package program. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between the innovative thinking tendencies of the teachers and the creativity sub-levels (teacher self-efficacy, environmental incentive, social value, child potential). The creativity levels of preschool teachers predict their innovative thinking tendencies. There was no statistical relationship between the age of the participants and their tendency to innovative thinking and creativity levels. The age variables do not affect innovative thinking and creativity sub-levels. When the relationship between the institution where the teachers participating in the study work and their innovative thinking disposition and creativity sub-dimensions are examined, it has been determined that the innovative thinking disposition, environmental incentive levels and total creativity scores of the teachers working in private institutions are higher than those working in the public sector.