Journal of Medical Education Development

en Pedagogical practices that enhance medical students' capacity for creative thought: A qualitative study آموزش پزشکی Medical Education پژوهشي اصیل Orginal Research <div style="text-align: justify;">Background & Objective: In the medical field, there is a growing emphasis on fostering creativity and innovation in medical students to prepare them for the unpredictable nature of patient care. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of both lecturers and medical students on the current teaching practices and their influence on the development of creative thinking skills Materials & Methods: The study was conducted as qualitative research at the Malaysian Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and included a purposeful sample of eight medical students and seven lecturers. Data were gathered through individual semi-structured interviews held via the Google Meet platform and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The findings indicate that learner-centred approaches, such as problem-solving exercises and group discussions, seminars, debates, and dramas have a positive impact on enhancing their creative thinking abilities. The use of technology-assisted teaching methods, including e-learning and simulation labs, was also perceived as inspiring, however, limitations in technical infrastructure were noted. Challenging activities like assignments, games, competitions, and online tests encourage creative learning.  Hands-on activities, such as bedside teaching and clinical skill learning, are also valuable in learning clinical skills in unique ways, but their effectiveness could be reduced by environmental and personal factors. Furthermore, practicing para-curriculum activities in a supportive and relaxed learning environment was identified as fostering a culture of original thought. Conclusion: This study suggests that a comprehensive approach to medical education that integrates creative pedagogy can be instrumental in fostering creativity in medical students. Providing opportunities for creative thinking through workshops and addressing technical infrastructure limitations in technology-assisted teaching methods could be considered in enhancing the creative curricula in the South East region. The findings underline the importance of a learner-centered approach and a supportive learning atmosphere in promoting creative learning.</div> creativity, medical education , PBL 1 8 http://edujournal.zums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-12-2072-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Maher Sefein mahersefein22@gmail.com 5300319475328460030265 5300319475328460030265 No MBBS, Diploma Otorhinolaryngology Medical Education Dundee Univeristy, Former Associate Professor, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Muhammad Talha Zaigham talhazaigham@hotmail.com 5300319475328460030266 0009-0006-6819-5723 Yes MBBS, Current MSc Student University Malaysia Sabah - Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Zuraiz Idrees zuraizidrees24@gmail.com 5300319475328460030267 0009-0004-3350-5264 No MBBS, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan. Mohammad Shahzil mohammadshazil1@gmail.com 5300319475328460030268 0009-0004-2837-7990 No MBBS, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan.