PTCP – scale of personality traits and creative practices: adaptation, application and validation in higher education institutions

Purpose This study deals with the validation of a scale designed to measure creative personality traits and creative pedagogical practices in higher education. Design/methodology/approach To fulfil these aims, a scale was validated using rigorous statistical methods, such as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. A snowball sampling was used, launching the questionnaire on social media. This questionnaire was administered to higher education lecturers at higher education institutions, obtaining 202 valid responses. Findings The scale was refined, resulting in a reliable instrument with four main dimensions: (1) creative personal characteristics, (2) stimulating the expression of ideas, (3) environment conducive to creativity and (4) student autonomy and learning. Practical implications The dimensions reflect theoretical foundations of creativity in higher education and offer practical applications to promote innovation in educational environments. The results highlight the importance of lecturers adopting creative practices to encourage the development of creativity in students. Originality/value In this study, a new and innovative scale was validated. The Personality Traits and Creative Practices (PTCP) scale highlights the importance of lecturers adopting creative practices to encourage the development of creativity in students. The study contributes to theory by providing a robust tool for measuring creativity and to practice by directing teachers towards pedagogical strategies that foster creativity in educational contexts. Finally, conclusions, limitations and future avenues for research were drawn.