Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A.

Dr. Strange asked us in class the other day a series of questions.  They are as follows: 

1. Do schools in the United States systematically destroy (or inhibit) the development of curiosity and/or creativity in students?  If yes, why does this happen?  If no, how do you counter the argument of Sir Ken Robinson that schools undermine the development of creativity in students?  

Children, in general, are all creative in some way, whether it be dance, music, art, sports, or other creative outlet.  Today's education system around the world places those talents at the bottom our our curriculum.  I think that this happens because our education system focuses on subjects such as math, science, language and history.  All of these are important, however, I do not think that they are more important than art class, music class, or computer class.  I believe there are several factors as to why this happens.  One, these four components have been the core focus of education since our education system was first founded.  Second, when you have a financial crisis in the education system, like the one we have now, the "arts" are one of the first things to get cut.  The education system has to change because the world is changing.  How can we expect to prepare these students for the future when right now we see that the world is becoming a world where jobs of creativity and becoming more prevalent.  Our kids are not all perfectly square packaged boxes.  Some of them have color and extra "pizzazz" and this needs to be embraced, not grayed out.  There has to be change.  As Sir Ken Robinson states, "we need an education revolution". 

2. Can a curriculum be developed that increases the curiosity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum?

Curiosity is an emotion related to natural inquisitive behavior such as exploration, investigation, and learning, evident by observation in human and many animal species.  Yes, I do believe that a curriculum can be developed to increase the curiosity of students.  That, to me, seems as if it would be one of my main goals as an educator.  I will encourage a curriculum that stimulates my students' natural inquisitive behavior.  I think that we all learn better by doing, exploring and actually "thinking" with our minds instead of assembly-line education.  The key components would be visual and hands-on learning.  Also, communicating with other educators who have the same focus as you and coordinate lessons together to increase learning and stimulation at school.  

3. Can a curriculum be developed that increases the creativity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum? 

Creativity refers to the phenomenon whereby a person creates something new (a product, solution, artwork, literary work, joke, etc.) that has some kind of value.  Creativity should most definitely be encouraged in the classroom.  Creativity equals originality which equals a new way of thinking.  Where would our world be without those who were creative?  Our species would seize to evolve if it were not for the creative mind.  I believe that key components of such a curriculum would involve more "free" style learning.  Exposing our children to new culture, the arts, and other forms of creative learning are all necessary when trying to encourage creative thinking.  Also, the environment of the classroom will also increase creativity.  Having bright colors, windows (if at all possible), and art work on the walls will encourage creativity.

4. Can a teacher's actions increase the curiosity of students? If so, what would be those actions?

Absolutely!!  If we, the teacher, explore and investigate solutions then our students will also be more apt to do the same.  Lead by example.  If we encourage curious behavior in the classroom early on, those students will more than likely continue to explore and discover as they grow.  I believe that a teacher shouldn't just give an answer and do the thinking for the student, but should help explore the answer together with the student to the solution.  It's all about the process, not the outcome. 

5. Can a teacher's actions increase the creativity of students? If so, what would be those actions?

Just as I believe curiosity can be increased in a student if the teacher exemplifies these actions, I also believe a creative teacher will have the same results.  

6. What would help you become more creative? What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process?

I personally am a creative person already.  I own a photography business, so I encourage the arts in my own home with my own children.  My kids and I are always doing some form of "project".   I believe that project based learning should be encourage more in the classroom instead of "burp-back" education as Dr. Strange says.  Teachers play a major role in the creative process.  However, if the school doesn't continue to encourage the same creative behavior then I believe the process will dramatically hinder the outcome.  It would be optimal for the staff of a school as a whole to work toward the same goal in acquiring more creative/curious learning.  

7. What would help you become more curious? What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process?

I could become more curious just by doing more exploring with ideas in the classroom.  This year, I became almost addicted to Pinterest.  This website is absolutely amazing for the ADD mom, such as myself.  There are so many things that you can explore there, one being different lessons and creative projects for the classroom.  I have "pinned" a variety of projects that I would love to do in my future classroom.  This class has exposed me to several new learning tools, such as my PLN.  Twitter is also a social networking site that I am continually learning with.  There are so many possibilities out there.  You just have to stop and look. 

Curiosity Fuels Creativity

Elli is a writer for InGoodMeasure.net.  Her blog post, Teaching your kids to be curious, describes the importance of curiosity and creativity in our youth.  Kids need to be "confident and comfortable with their curiosity at a young age".  If we have a student in our classroom come up with a unique idea and we squish it, then that child will in turn will probably not want to express many new ideas that they may have.  Congratulations people, you just put out a light in a child's mind.  Is that really what you want to do as teachers? NO! Encourage creativity and curiosity.  Kids are full of it -- encourage it!  If you would like to get in touch with Elli, click here.  You can add her to your circle on Google+.  I did.