Creativity in the Classroom

According to Sir Ken Robinson, “Creativity now is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status” (Robinson, 2006).  But, do we?  I believe for the most part schools do kill creativity.  For certain, though, it is not dead, but it is dying.  Every once in a while, creative assignments and assessments are assigned to students, but how much emphasis a teacher places on them makes a difference.  If these authentic assessments are not incorporated into the curriculum, students do not see the value in them and will not deviate from traditional assessments when given the option.  “Teaching to the test” has killed creativity, and unfortunately, the slow demise of creativity begins in third grade with the arrival of the PSSAs.  These standardized tests cause students’ creativity to be placed on the backburner, sometimes never to be seen again.  Robinson states that kids will take chances; however, as adults, they, or we, do not take risks because we are afraid of being wrong (Robinson, 2006).  It is our job as educators to make sure that this does not happen.  We need to provide students with creative opportunities so they do not lose their creative edge. 

According to Daniel Pink, with abundance, Asia, and the automation of today’s world, it is essential that we hold onto creativity to be successful in the 21^st century (Pink, 2006).  We will need to focus on high concept, high touch concepts, such as design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning – senses that will only be enhanced by creativity.  Creativity cannot be automated or outsourced, so it is crucial that we develop and nurture our creative minds as well as our students.  After reviewing the Cone of Learning (Edgar Dale), it appears that the more creative a task and involved a student is in his or her learning, the more he or she will retain, and in turn, aid in the synthesis of ideas.  Also, many creative assignments and assessments can be enhanced by the integration of digital media. 

I really enjoyed Mr. Robinson’s presentation.  Because of his creativity and use of humor, he kept my attention throughout his entire presentation, and I really enjoyed it!  The other points that I felt were very important were children’s capacity for innovation and how we do not want to squander their talent.  These statements remind me of the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder, which we just finished in class.  Thornton Wilder was considered a Modernist, and Our Town was very innovative for its time.  It has appealed to audiences and readers since it was written in 1938.  For a play that was written 74 years ago, it has captivated my students, and they really enjoyed reading and analyzing it.  Usually people are not receptive to change and often resist it, but Our Town’s innovation has continued to capture the audiences’ and readers’ attention for many years and will for many years to come.  With that said, Robinson’s words ring true when he states, “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original” (Robinson, 2006).

Pink, D.  (2006).  A whole new mind:  Why right-brainers will rule the future.  Riverhead Trade.

Robinson, K.  (2006).  TED Conference.  Do schools kill creativity?  Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY.