PME 811: Blog Entry 7 - Response | Ways to Promote Creativity in the Classroom
Ways to Promote Creativity in the Classroom
I came across this web article a little while ago and I'd like to share it with you. It is a compilation of various strategies and ideas for how teachers can incorporate (or at least encourage) more creativity in the classroom. Some of the ideas are a little odd, some are tried and true, but I really like the scope of the list and its applications to more than just the core subject areas.
Lets look at a few of my favourites:
#5 - Use emotional connections
For some reason, this had never occurred to me. Just as learning happens most easily when the learner is interested in the subject matter, so to does creativity flow most easily when the creator is highly engaged in the situation. Maybe this is why some people prefer visual art over music, or physics over chemistry - they are better able to access their own creativity when the emotional response to the subject matter is present!
#12 - Use a cultural artifact
"Research from experimental social psychology finds that artifacts can enhance insight problem solving." That's really neat! The author suggests using something common like a light bulb to start a conversation about living in a century without electic lighting and I can definitely see the appeal. I've heard colleagues discuss 'history boxes' where a new unit is introduced to elementary-aged students through the presentation of a box full of objects... the class must root through the objects and examine them in order to guess what time period will be explored. It's such an interesting and engaging way of introducing subject matter and getting a brainstorm started!
#19 - Creativity builds confidence
The author used the example of a science fair type presentation opportunity for history students, but I think the point is bigger... being able to work with knowledge on a creative level implies a certain mastery (or at least, an immense openness to learning) that creates confidence. A student who fully understands and can explain a concept is demonstrating creativity by rewording, reordering, and presenting their understanding. It's like assessing a student's learning through the practice of their creativity! Wow!
#30 - Teach creativity skills explicitly
This is probably the most important point, and the author cites 5 major skills that are needed for creativity: imagination, discipline/ self-motivation, resiliency, collaboration, and responsibility (in this case, meaning agency or leadership). These skills struck me as the same set needed for entrepreneurs starting small businesses and for higher level workers or leaders in any workplace. These are vital skills for our students' futures!
Sources:
Clifford, Miriam. (2012). 30 ideas to promote creativity in learning. TeachThought. www.teachthought.com/learning/30-ideas-to-promote-creativity-in-learning/
