Role of Analogy in Finding Creative Solutions for Preparatory Fifth-Grade Students in Karbala Secondary Schools

Abstract

The current study aims to elucidate the role of orientation toward symmetry in generating creative solutions and developing innovative capacities among fifth-grade preparatory students in secondary schools of Karbala Governorate. It further seeks to reveal the level of adoption of symmetry philosophy among high-achieving students versus their peers, assess their capacity to generate creative solutions to problems, determine the correlational relationship between symmetry orientation and creative problem-solving, and identify obstacles that constrain such capacities. The research adopted an analytical descriptive methodology as most appropriate to objectives of the study. Following a review of prior literature, a random sample of (134) male students was selected, and two instruments were constructed: the first, a symmetry orientation scale comprising (32) items, and the second, a creative solutions scale comprising (24) items. Both instruments were submitted to a panel of experts for verification of validity and reliability.

      The results indicated that fifth-grade preparatory students exhibit a high degree of orientation toward symmetry and adoption of its philosophy, as well as a high level of capacity for generating creative solutions to their problems, with no statistically significant differences found between high-achieving students and their peers on either variable. A significant correlational relationship between symmetry orientation and creative solutions was also established. The paper recommended further investigation into the influence of thinking styles on problem-solving, performance development, and academic achievement, as well as conducting studies addressing variables of sex and achievement level with the aim of developing cognitive capacities and fostering diverse thinking orientations to enhance student competency across various educational stages.