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The concept of teaching creativity has been around for quite some time. Academics such as E. Paul Torrance, dedicated an entire lifetime to the advancement of creativity in education. Torrance faced much opposition in his day about the nature of creativity. Creativity was considered to be an immeasurable, natural ability. Torrance called for explicit teaching of creativity. He advocated that it was skill-specific, requiring intentional instruction. His life’s work ultimately led to the development of the Torrance tests and gifted programs throughout the world. In recent times, there has been a shift towards the increased acceptance of valuing creativity for all learners. A 2003 TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson discussing this subject reached over 5 million viewers. It discusses how our current school systems suppress creativity. He proposes that our current model leaves little room for divergent thinking.
It relies on teaching to the correct answer. An innovative thinking model is needed. Robinson recently tweeted about a new study that suggested 80% of educators surveyed preferred creativity to be included as part of learning standards. In the same way, David Hughes, founder of Decision Labs and professor at UNC Chapel Hill, argues that innovation is an essential skill for our global economy. In talking about creativity in schools he says, much of the blame for a lack of creativity, and therefore innovation, can be traced to our traditional educational systems. Most of the practice of creative methods is being done outside the traditional educational institutions by consulting firms and by persons in companies who have been trained in creative problem solving methods. In universities not much has changed since 1950, when the distinguished psychologist J. P. Guilford in his inaugural address as president of the American Psychological Association stated that education’s neglect of the subject of creativity was appalling. Adding to this sequence of events is the fact that textbooks are at least three years out of date when they are published and . . . educational systems were the slowest adopters of innovation. Thus, we see that educational institutions need a strong dose of creative problem solving. What are some ways then, as educators, that we promote creativity in our classrooms?
In a recent article, What Would Dr. E. Paul Torrance Do?: A Legacy for Creative Education, the author considers what lies in the future of creativity in our schools? Retired professor Berenice Bleedorn says we should continue his legacy of sharing information and practice “the art of creative thinking”. We must continue to advocate for its use and move against the current or as Torrance himself called them, “the powers that be”. After all, teachers are the real driving force behind the creative thinking in our schools. If our schools are lagging behind, we must be the creative minds that urge our students to be curious and seek new answers. About Miriam CliffordMiriam Clifford holds a Masters in Teaching from City University and a Bachelor in Science from Cornell. She loves research and is passionate about education. She is a foodie and on her time off enjoys cooking and gardening. You can find her @miriamoclifford or Google+. Tags: edtech, teaching creativity Which strategies can be used to induce creativity in teaching/learning process?How can you encourage creativity in the classroom?. Choose a flexible classroom layout. ... . Follow a classroom theme. ... . Create a classroom library. ... . Visualize ideas and goals. ... . Create opportunities for reflection. ... . Display inspirational quotes. ... . Enliven your virtual classroom. ... . Take your teaching outside.. How can a teacher encourage creativity in learners in the classroom?Try adding words like “create,” “design,” “invent,” “imagine,” “suppose,” to your assignments. Adding instructions such as “Come up with as many solutions as possible” or “Be creative!” can increase creative performance.
Which of the following practices will support creativity in a classroom?Thus, it is concluded that acceptance of imaginative answers, emphasis on brainstorming, and tolerance to dissent practices will support creativity in a classroom.
What are five 5 strategies for helping children to become more creative?So, here are some easy ways to help the children in expressing their creativity:. Make Children Question Things. ... . Provide Opportunities to Express Their Intelligence. ... . Teach Them Multiple Ways to Solve Every Problem. ... . Trigger Their Curiosity. ... . Engage Them With Activity Boxes. ... . Encourage Children to Read for Pleasure.. |