Part Two.
Embedding creativity
I hope that by now it is somehow evident that there are numerous definitions of creativity, there are almost as numerous limitations in teaching both creatively and for creativity, but also there are myriads of reasons why it is important. With this in mind, I will highlight two theoretical frameworks on how creativity can be fostered in the schoolroom and then will present some conclusions which were drawn from a project undertaken from one of our teachers.
- Lucas, Claxton & Spencer: the wheel of creativity
Develop students who are:
- Imaginative: They play with possibilities – They make connections – They use intuition
2. Inquisitive: Wonder and question – Explore and investigate – Challenge assumptions
3. Persistent: Tolerate uncertainty – Stick with difficult – Dare to be different
4. Collaborative: Cooperate appropriately – Give and receive feedback – Share the product
5. Disciplined: Reflect critically – Develop technique – Craft and improve
Which ones do you already do? If you were to encourage only one of those on a daily basis what would that be?
- Richardson and Mishra: SCALE
Pay attention to 3 areas:
Physical environment
- Make resources widely available
- Praise student work by sharing it
- Have a spatially flexible schoolroom
Learning climate
- Encourage active discussions rather than passive learning
- Teacher becomes a co-learner
- Value difference
Learner engagement
- Tasks can be open-ended
- Authentic material and real-life problems to solve
- Encourage mistakes and risk taking
- Students are reflective of their learning
Which ones do you already do? If you were to encourage only one of those on a daily basis what would that be?
- Reflections from a teacher
- Create the right environment: develop students’ self-image and confidence; model listening and respect for other ideas
- Imagine the schoolroom as a studio for ‘serious play’: space is flexible, and students do not always sit passively behind desks
- Encourage students to reach beyond their comfort zone: create problems which have no easy answers and solutions
- Be present: listen to the students and respond to what they are saying; give feedback which is meaningful and contextual
- Be present: care about your students’ needs
Which ones do you already do? If you were to encourage only one of those on a daily basis what would that be?
