Mini-review: CREATE-ive use of primary literature in the science classroom

CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate hypotheses, Analyze and interpret data, Think of the next Experiment) is a pedagogical approach for teaching and learning science through the rigorous analysis of primary scientific literature. This mini-review focuses on the tools, assignments, and in-class activities by which this strategy immerses students in the process of science and further challenges students to embody the intellectual activities of actual scientists. We highlight the innovative ways in which CREATE pedagogy encourages students to think deeply about science. Applying this strategy has been shown to promote student gains in cognitive and affective behaviors while also fostering the development of science process skills. Herein we also provide a case study of CREATE implementation, which provides a detailed perspective on the realities of teaching with this strategy. Finally, we offer insights gained through the study of this pedagogy at different types of institutions, courses and student populations to demonstrate how CREATE can be broadly applied in STEM education.