Creativity Skills Needed by Arabic Language Students in Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the creativity skills needed by Arabic language undergraduates in tertiary institutions in Lagos State. Four research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population was 151 Arabic lecturers and students. This comprised 21 Arabic language lecturers and 130 students in two tertiary institutions in Lagos State that have the Arabic Language as their academic programme. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviations. Findings revealed that creative skills are multifaceted and include problem-solving, listening, innovation, and brainstorming skills. Teachers’ motivation, encouraging the use of technology in teaching as well as encouraging individual project work among students are the strategies for teaching creativity skills. Fear of criticism, lack of confidence, poor learning environment, and the like were identified as challenges militating against the acquisition of creativity skills among Arabic students. The study also revealed that the strategies for stimulating creativity among Arabic language students include normal class sizes, increasing the ICT capabilities of both teachers and students, and de-emphasizing memorization. The study recommended that lecturers and students alike should build up their creativity skills to remain relevant and productive in the labour market, especially as technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate