**2.2. Towards a definition**

Defining creativity results to be a complex task [21]. The word has been applied to a variety of fields, settings and theories [22]; hence, scientific literature lacks a sound definition. Nevertheless, there appears to be consensus on the main features of creativity [23]: it refers to the ability to create something novel and appropriate [24]. The term 'novel' describes an original solution, while the term 'appropriate' refers to the usefulness of the product as applied to a specific need [9].

As applied to the field of education, the NACCCE [22] provided a comprehensive definition, which does not limit to the product dimension, describing creativity as an 'imaginative activity fashioned so as to produce outcomes that are both original and of value' (p. 30). Cremin et al. [25] added some components to this definition, so that it matches a personal view of creativity (littlec): 'purposive imaginative activity generating outcomes that are original and valuable in relation to the learner'. In this view, creativity processes involve four characteristics: (a) they consist of thinking imaginatively, (b) they are purposeful (i.e. directed towards a specific goal), (c) they result in an original and valuable outcome and (d) the learner constitutes the reference point.
