Exploring Teaching and Learning TRIZ in Secondary STEM Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies
Authors
Centre for Pre-University Studies (Malaysia)
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management (Malaysia)
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management (Malaysia)
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management (Malaysia)
Article Information
DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91200069
Subject Category: Social science
Volume/Issue: 9/12 | Page No: 862-880
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2025-12-10
Accepted: 2025-12-17
Published: 2025-12-31
Abstract
Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) is a powerful approach to fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. However, its implementation in secondary STEM education remains underexplored. This study aims to systematically review empirical studies on the teaching and learning of TRIZ in secondary STEM education. The review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Articles were sourced from Science Direct, Scopus, Springer, and ProQuest. The analysis identifies research trends, TRIZ tools and methods, pedagogical approaches, instructional strategies and measurable learning outcomes. TRIZ is more popular in Asia and Europe. The empirical studies are either mixed-method or quantitative. TRIZ is integrated into secondary STEM education through either enrichment or infusion approaches. Training varied from weeks to a year. Three TRIZ instructions methods and five TRIZ tools were identified, with contradiction analysis being the most popular tool. Project based learning and hands-on problem-solving are the most mentioned pedagogical methods and instructional strategies, respectively. TRIZ improved students’ knowledge, technical skills and attitude.
Keywords
TRIZ, STEM education, secondary education
Downloads
References
1. Alamian, V., & Saedi, M. S. (2020). Surveying the effectiveness of teaching the principles of creative problem solving based on TRIZ theory in solving mathematical problems in the junior high school students in Abadan city. Journal of Organizational Behavior Research, 5(2–2020), 1–12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Alwana, O. H. (2020). The effect of a proposed program based on the theory of an innovative solution to problems in achievement in mathematics among middle school students. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change, 14(10). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Artikgul, K. (2024). Effectiveness of using TRIZ program in primary education. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence, 4(05), 72–75. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Barak, M. (2013). Impacts of learning inventive problem-solving principles: students’ transition from systematic searching to heuristic problem solving. Instructional Science, 41(4), 657–679. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11251-012-9250-5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Belski, I., Baglin, J., & Harlim, J. (2013). Teaching TRIZ at university: A longitudinal study. International Journal of Engineering Education, 29(2), 346–354. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84875336708&partnerID=40&md5=36497f8c7d284e5c964c55805d2db8c1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Belur, J., Tompson, L., Thornton, A., & Simon, M. (2021). Interrater reliability in systematic review methodology: exploring variation in coder decision-making. Sociological Methods & Research, 50(2), 837–865. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124118799372 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Berdonosov, V. (2013). Concept of the TRIZ evolutionary approach in education. In A. Aoussat, D. Cavallucci, M. Trela, & J. Duflou (Eds.), Proceedings of the 13th ETRIA world TRIZ future conference 2013 (pp. 73–82). Arts At Metiers ParisTech. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Boyd, D. (2013). Inside the box: A proven system of creativity for breakthrough results. Simon & Shuster. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Busov, B. (2010). Case studies in TRIZ education at technical universities in the Czech Republic. In C. Rizzi (Ed.), Proceedings of the TRIZ Future Conference 2010 (pp. 285–291). Bergamo University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Cameron, G. (2010). Teach yourself TRIZ, how to invent, innovate and solve “impossible” technical problems systematically. CreateSpace. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Cano-Moreno, J. D., Arenas Reina, J. M., Sánchez Martínez, F. V, & Cabanellas Becerra, J. M. (2022). Using TRIZ10 for enhancing creativity in engineering design education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 32(5), 2749–2774. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10798-021-09704-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Cavdar, O., Yıldırım, B., Kaya, E., & Akkus, A. (2024). Exploring the nanoworld: Middle school students use TRIZ-STEM in nanotechnology education. Journal of Chemical Education, 101(3), 1049–1061. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c01031 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Chang, Y.-S., Chien, Y.-H., Yu, K.-C., Chu, Y.-H., & Chen, M. Y.-C. (2016). Effect of TRIZ on the creativity of engineering students. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 19, 112–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2015.10.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Chechurin, L. (2016). TRIZ in science. Reviewing indexed publications. Procedia CIRP, 39, 156–165. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.01.182 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Chen, S., Kamarudin, K. M., & Yan, S. (2021). Analyzing the synergy between HCI and TRIZ in product innovation through a systematic review of the literature. Advances in Human-Computer Interaction, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6616962 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Chung, C.-C., Dzan, W.-Y., & Lou, S.-J. (2017). Applying TRIZ instructional strategies to vocational students’ imaginative learning and practice. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(11), 7147–7160. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.12973/ejmste/77169 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Coello, S. M., Rodríguez, B., Banguera, L., & Baidal, E. (2024). Research skills R+D+I and industry 4.0, STEM and TRIZ and their application in the professional skills of applied physics students. Revista Mexicana de Fisica E, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.31349/RevMexFisE.21.010212 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Da Silva, R. H., Kaminski, P. C., & Armellini, F. (2020). Improving new product development innovation effectiveness by using problem solving tools during the conceptual development phase: Integrating Design Thinking and TRIZ. Creativity and Innovation Management, 29(4), 685–700. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Filmore, P. (2006). The real world: TRIZ in two hours for undergraduate and masters level students! Proceedings of TRIZCON2006. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Fiorineschi, L., Frillici, F. S., & Rotini, F. (2018). Enhancing functional decomposition and morphology with TRIZ: Literature review. Computers in Industry, 94, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2017.09.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Gadd, K. (2011). TRIZ for engineers. John Wiley & Sons. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Ge, Y., & Shi, B. (2019). Training method of innovation ability of “new engineering” integrating TRIZ theory. 4th International Conference on Contemporary Education, Social Sciences and Humanities (ICCESSH 2019), 483–488. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Ghane, M., Ang, M. C., Cavallucci, D., Kadir, R. A., Ng, K. W., & Sorooshian, S. (2022). TRIZ trend of engineering system evolution: A review on applications, benefits, challenges and enhancement with computer-aided aspects. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 174, 108833. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2022.108833 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Guin, A., Kudryavtsev, A. V., Boubentsov, V. Y., & Seredinsky, A. (2009). Theory of inventive problem solving: Level 1 study guide (M. G. Barkan (ed.)). Narodnoye Obrasovanie Publishers. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Gusenbauer, M., & Haddaway, N. R. (2020). Which academic search systems are suitable for systematic reviews or meta‐analyses? Evaluating retrieval qualities of Google Scholar, PubMed, and 26 other resources. Research Synthesis Methods, 11(2), 181–217. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
26. Haeffelé, G., Dubois, S., & Sire, P. (2015). How to leverage the knowledge spiral and creative meta-rules to train on TRIZ thinking while rescuing the sinking Titanic? Procedia Engineering, 131, 823–830. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.386 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
27. Han, S., & Yoo, J. (2014). Demand analysis for the development of basic-level TRIZ curriculum. Journal of Engineering Education Research, 17(4), 7–14. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
28. Harlim, J., & Belski, I. (2015). Learning TRIZ: Impact on confidence when facing problems. Procedia Engineering, 131, 95–103. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
29. Hellberg, L., & Scheers, J. (2016). Master students learning TRIZ at the university: past experiences, future plans, and best practices. Proceedings of the MATRIZ TRIZfest 2016 International Conference. July 28-30, 2016, Beijing, China, 198–206. https://doi.org/ISSN: 2374-2275; ISBN: 978-0-692-52418-3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
30. Ilevbare, I. M., Probert, D., & Phaal, R. (2013). A review of TRIZ, and its benefits and challenges in practice. Technovation, 33, 30–37. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
31. Ilevbare, Imoh M., Probert, D., & Phaal, R. (2013). A review of TRIZ, and its benefits and challenges in practice. Technovation, 33(2–3), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2012.11.003 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
32. Ilma, A. Z., Wilujeng, I., Widowati, A., Nurtanto, M., & Kholifah, N. (2023). A systematic literature review of STEM education in Indonesia (2016-2021): Contribution to improving skills in 21st century learning. Pegem Egitim ve Ogretim Dergisi, 13(2), 134–146. https://doi.org/10.47750/pegegog.13.02.17 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
33. Kalimullin, A. M., & Utemov, V. V. (2017). Open type tasks as a tool for developing creativity in secondary school students. Interchange, 48(2), 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-016-9295-5 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
34. Kennedy, T. J., & Odell, M. R. L. (2014). Engaging students in STEM education. Science Education International, 25(3), 246–258. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
35. Keong, C. S., Yip, M. W., Swee, S. L. N., Toh, G. G., & Tai, S. C. (2017). A review of TRIZ and its benefits & challenges in stimulating creativity in problem solving of pre-university students: A TARUC case study. Journal of Advances in Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(5), 247–263. https://doi.org/10.20474/jahss-3.5.2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
36. Kizi, R. G. Y. (2022). Triz as a mean of development of mathematical skills in preschool children. Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 12(4), 400–404. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
37. Kowaltowski, D. C. C. K., Bianchi, G., & de Paiva, V. T. (2010). Methods that may stimulate creativity and their use in architectural design education. International Journal Technology Design Education, 20, 453–476. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
38. Lange, C., Costley, J., & Fanguy, M. (2021). Collaborative group work and the different types of cognitive load. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 58(4), 377–386. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
39. Lepeshev, A. A., Podlesnyi, S. A., Pogrebnaya, T. V, Kozlov, A. V, & Sidorkina, O. V. (2013). Development of creativity in engineering education using TRIZ. 2013 3rd Interdisciplinary Engineering Design Education Conference, 6–9. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
40. Lim, I. S. S., Khoo, B. H., & Tan, E. H. (2015). Teaching, learning and applying TRIZ in university. In V. Souchkov & T. Kassi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 11th TRIZfest-2015 International Conference (pp. 225–231). MATRIZ. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
41. Lou, S.-J., Chung, C.-C., Dzan, W.-Y., Tseng, K.-H., & Shih, R.-C. (2013). Effect of using TRIZ creative learning to build a pneumatic propeller ship while applying STEM knowledge. International Journal of Engineering Education, 29(2), 365–379. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84875320987&partnerID=40&md5=eec283438bec53335a87f85860add363 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
42. Lou, S., Chung, C.-C., Shih, R., Tsai, H.-Y., & Tseng, K.-H. (2013). Design and verification of an instructional model for blended TRIZ creative learning. International Journal of Engineering Education, 29(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
43. Lu, J., & Xue, X. (2017). Training mode of innovative talents of civil engineering education based on TRIZ theory in China. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 13(7), 4301–4309. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
44. MalAllah, M. B., Alshirawi, M. I., & Al-Jasim, F. A. (2022). The effect of a program based on TRIZ theory to develop the creative thinking skills among male students with mild intellectual disability. International Journal of Systematic Innovation, 7(2), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.6977/IJoSI.202206_7(2).0001 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
45. Moher, D., Shamseer, L., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., Stewart, L. A., & Group, P.-P. (2015). Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Systematic Reviews, 4, 1–9. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
46. Ng, C. W., Ng, K. W., Ang, M. C., Wahab, A. N. A., & Mohamad, U. H. (2020). Exploring the use of TRIZ in detection and inactivation of pathogens. In T. S. Yeoh, E. H. Tan, & Y. G. Hong (Eds.), MyTRIZ Conference (p. 23). Malaysia TRIZ. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
47. Park, S. J. (2023). Testing the effects of a TRIZ invention instruction program on creativity beliefs, creativity, and invention teaching self-efficacy. Education and Information Technologies, 28(10), 12883–12902. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11614-x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
48. Pogrebnaya, T. V, Kozlov, A. V, & Sidorkina, O. V. (2013). Invention of knowledge in TRIZ-based education. 2013 International Conference on Interactive Collaborative Learning (ICL), 757–764. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICL.2013.6644700 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
49. qizi Urinova, R. B., & Arzikulov, H. N. (2023). Effective methods of using the TRIZ (theory of inventive problem solving) program in preschool education lessons. Educational Research in Universal Sciences, 2(11), 95–97. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
50. Rahim, Z. A., & Iqbal, M. S. (2022). The introduction of TRIZ in the Malaysian education policy of learning curriculum syllabus in design and technology subject. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2433(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
51. Rantanen, K. (2002). Simplified TRIZ: New problem-solving applications for engineers and manufacturing professionals. CRC press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
52. Reyes-Huerta, D., Mitre-Hernandez, H., & Jaramillo-Avila, U. (2023). Teaching and learning TRIZ as an innovative educational technology: A systematic literature review. CEUR Workshop Proceedings, 3691, 31–43. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
53. Sahin, A., & Top, N. (2015). Teachers’ reflections on STEM students on the stage (SOS) model. In A practice-based model of STEM teaching (pp. 205–224). Brill. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
54. Saygı, N. D., & Şahin, F. (2023). The effects of a systematic approach to solve real-life inventive problems in the science classroom. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 20(1), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.36681/tused.2023.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
55. Shqipe Buzuku, I. S. (2017). A systematic literature review of TRIZ used in Eco-Design. Journal of the European TRIZ Association - INNOVATOR 02-2017; ISSN 1866-4180, 02(January), 20–31. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
56. Sire, P., Haeffelé, G., & Dubois, S. (2015). TRIZ as a tool to develop a TRIZ educational method by learning it. Procedia Engineering, 131, 551–560. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2015.12.449 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
57. Sojka, V., & Lepšík, P. (2020). Use of TRIZ, and TRIZ with other tools for process improvement: A literature review. Emerging Science Journal, 4(5), 319–335. https://doi.org/10.28991/esj-2020-01234 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
58. Song, D. J., Youn, Y. S., Ryu, M. J., & Kim, Y. S. (2014). Creativity-convergence camp for enhancing creative problem solving skill. Global TRIZ Conference Proceedings, July 8th-10th., 49–50. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
59. Spreafico, C., & Russo, D. (2016). TRIZ industrial case studies: A critical survey. Procedia CIRP, 39, 51–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.01.165 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
60. Suhirman, S., & Prayogi, S. (2023). Overcoming challenges in STEM education: A literature review that leads to effective pedagogy in STEM learning. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(8), 432–443. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i8.4715 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
61. Thibaut, L., Ceuppens, S., De Loof, H., De Meester, J., Goovaerts, L., Struyf, A., Boeve-de Pauw, J., Dehaene, W., Deprez, J., & De Cock, M. (2018). Integrated STEM education: A systematic review of instructional practices in secondary education. European Journal of STEM Education, 3(1), 2. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
62. Wits, W. W., Vaneker, T. H. J., & Souchkov, V. (2010). Full immersion TRIZ in education. Proceedings of the 10th ETRIA World Conference, 3-5. Nov. 2010. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
63. Wohlin, C. (2014). Guidelines for snowballing in systematic literature studies and a replication in software engineering. Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Evaluation and Assessment in Software Engineering, 1–10. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
64. Yachina, N. P., Gorev, P. M., & Nurgaliyeva, A. K. (2015). Open type tasks in mathematics as a tool for students’ meta-subject results assessment. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 10(3), 211–220. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/303 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
65. Yeoh, T. S., Yeoh, T. J., & Song, C. L. (2009). TRIZ: Systematic innovation in manufacturing. Firstfruits. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
66. Yeung, R. C. Y., Yeung, C. H., Sun, D., & Looi, C. K. (2024). A systematic review of Drone integrated STEM education at secondary schools (2005–2023): Trends, pedagogies, and learning outcomes. Computers and Education, 212(October 2023), 104999. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2024.104999 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
67. Yıldırım, B., & Yildirim, B. (2024). Flipped TRIZ-STEM: Enhancing teacher training through innovative pedagogy? Education and Information Technologies, 29(9), 10899–10929. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12242-1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
68. Zulhasni, Abdul Rahim, & Iqbal, M. S. (2020). The adoption of the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) in The Malaysia education policy and curriculum for STEM subject. ASEAN Journal of Engineering Education, 4(2), 44–54. https://doi.org/10.11113/ajee2020.4n2.11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
69. Zulhasni, Abdul Rahmim, & Iqbal, M. S. (2024). TRIZ patented literature review on automated guided vehicle technology for sstematic innovation. Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering, 633–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-0169-8_52 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- The Impact of Ownership Structure on Dividend Payout Policy of Listed Plantation Companies in Sri Lanka
- Urban Sustainability in North-East India: A Study through the lens of NER-SDG index
- Performance Assessment of Predictive Forecasting Techniques for Enhancing Hospital Supply Chain Efficiency in Healthcare Logistics
- The Fractured Self in Julian Barnes' Postmodern Fiction: Identity Crisis and Deflation in Metroland and the Sense of an Ending
- Impact of Flood on the Employment, Labour Productivity and Migration of Agricultural Labour in North Bihar