Summary
The objective of this study was to investigate the perception of 64 engineering students regarding facilitating and inhibiting factors in expressing personal creativity. The semi-structured interview was utilized for data gathering. Preparation, incentive, intelligence, and self-confidence were the factors most discussed as facilitators of expression of personal creativity. On the other hand, lack of flexibility, fear of making mistakes, lack of motivation and incentives were the factors most illustrated as inhibitors. A significant number of students expressed that there are barriers to expressing creativity, some more frequent among women, and some among men.

Key words author
Personal Creativity, University Students

Key words plus
Creativity, Creative Aptitude, Postsecondary Students

Transference to practice
The results of the study illustrate elements that motivate and inhibit the expression of personal creativity, related to the individual and to the socio-educational context. It also illustrates teaching practices adopted in engineering, which are inhibitors for the expression of the capacity to create. Given the importance of creativity to individuals, work, and society, it is suggested that socializing agents, especially professors in higher education, take advantage of these results. These results can promote an education characterized by, not only ensuring the student learns, but also by strengthening personal attributes associated to creativity, and by implementing an environment in the classroom that presents opportunities and incentives for the birth of new ideas.