The mediating role of creative problem solving between design thinking and self-efficacy in STEM teaching for STEM teacher candidates

Increasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) self-efficacy is necessary for closing the gap in STEM fields. There is a lot expected of students studying in STEM fields. However, studies have frequently mentioned the importance of design thinking in developing self-efficacy in STEM teaching. It has been highlighted as an important predictor of creative problem-solving. Based on this, in a Turkish sample, this study investigated the relationships between self-efficacy in STEM teaching, design thinking, and creative problem-solving of STEM teacher candidates. A total of 522 candidates participated in the study. The results showed that creative problem-solving mediated the relationship between design thinking and self-efficacy in STEM teaching. This information is vital for helping better assess the variables affecting the self-efficacy in STEM teaching of candidates entering the STEM pipeline. The discussion then revolves around integratingdesign thinking, the necessity of a human-centered approach, and creative problem solving, associated with 21st-century competencies into STEM education.