The Importance of Creativity in Schools

I believe this passionately: that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out if it.

Sir Ken Robinson

What is so concerning and frightening about this quote from one of education’s most inspired thought leaders is that we all know how true it is. Not only is creativity being left behind in mainstream curriculums, it is often actively discouraged and overlooked. In an effort to highlight this problem and to curb our approach to classroom creativity, another leading voice in education Jackie Gerstein has put together the below slides to highlight, support and plead the case for creativity in schools.

There are an exponential number of reasons why creativity in all of its forms should be embraced by educators. From nurturing happy, well balanced students through to creating the right kind of thinkers for future generations.

The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done—men who are creative, inventive, and discoverers. – Jean Piaget

As educators it is our job to help students embrace this creativity. To build environments where students’ imaginations are nourished and where failure is encouraged not feared.

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. – Albert Einstein

If we hope to truly integrate creativity into our schools, systems and psyche, then we need to first begin thinking as creative educators ourselves.

There is a difference between teaching through creativity and teaching for creativity. Good teachers know that their role is to engage and inspire their students. This is a creative process in itself. – Sir Ken Robinson

 

Feature image courtesy of Flickr, Waag Society.

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