The importance of creative problem solving: Reflections on my Master's thesis journey

Authors

  • Roselyn Gishen Brock University

Keywords:

creativity, identity formation, reflection, pragmatism, graduate education

Abstract

This Note from the Field is a reflection on the author’s journey through her Master’s thesis. Drawing on the concepts of pragmatism, creative thinking, and identity formation, this article details the non-linear nature of her research work and the unexpected learning opportunities and insights that arose along the way.

Author Biography

Roselyn Gishen, Brock University

is a Ph.D. student in Educational Studies student at Brock University. She also holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.Ed., and a college diploma in Behavioural Science. Her research interests encompass inclusive education, literacy programming (with a focus on writing), learning in non-classroom settings, and mental health. She currently works as a tutor for K-12 students, including multilingual language learners. rg21zm@brocku.ca

References

Baptista, A., Frick, L., Holley, K., Remmik, M., Tesch, J., & Åkerlind, G. (2015). The doctorate as an original contribution to knowledge: Considering relationships between originality, creativity, and innovation. Frontline Learning Research, 3(3), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v3i3.147

Brodin, E. M. (2016). Critical and creative thinking nexus: Learning experiences of doctoral students. Studies in Higher Education, 41(6), 971–989. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2014.943656

Elkjaer, B. (2018). Pragmatism: Learning as creative imagination. In I. Knud (Ed.), Contemporary theories of learning (2nd ed., pp. 66–82). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315147277-5

Frick, B. L., & Brodin, E. M. (2020). A return to Wonderland: Exploring the links between academic identity development and creativity during doctoral education. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 57(2), 209–219. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2019.1617183

Hildebrand, D. L. (2023). John Dewey. In S. Aiken & R. B. Talisse (Eds.), The Routledge companion to pragmatism (1st ed., pp. 26–34). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315149592-6

Yao, H., & Yu, Q. (2023). Graduate student challenge-hindrance scientific research stress and creativity: Mediating effect of creative self-efficacy. Journal of Psychology in Africa, 33(5), 448–454. https://doi.org/10.1080/14330237.2023.2246277

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Published

2026-06-08

How to Cite

Gishen, R. (2026). The importance of creative problem solving: Reflections on my Master’s thesis journey. McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill. Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/10595

Issue

Advance Online Publication

Section

Notes from the Field

License

Copyright (c) 2026 McGill Journal of Education / Revue des sciences de l'éducation de McGill

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