In the books and articles I have been reading and researching
on Students as Designers a pattern
has emerged. In today’s world creative
thinking and problem solving are a capital all leading countries are striving to
obtain to create the next economic breakthrough. The ability to think and create new ideas
from existing patters occurs through multiple disciplines and be possessed for
the survival in the future. In the article
Creatives
Teaching Creativity the authors discuss how it is expected for teachers
of creative disciplines such as the arts to teach and foster creativity skills
it is not clear students are learning it.
I believe students need to be creating every opportunity the
can. Students need to be designing and
problem solving through authentic problems.
The article Creatives
Teaching Creativity almost argues that Creatives (people in creative
fields) have a monopoly the ability to teach creativity. I disagree.
I believe that creativity in certain disciplines can be fostered easier
because of the abstract nature of the discipline but all teachers can teach students
to design, to create, and problem solve.
The hurdles of being a teacher makes teachers creative and makes them problem
solvers. Teaching creativity and problem
solving just needs to be practiced. Teaching
creativity can be messy and chaotic in world where time is strictly regulated and test taking
strategies rule supreme.
I have thought a lot about this too, Jon. Rather than teaching creativity, perhaps situating (I like your word 'fostering') learners in creative tasks in the context of disciplinary content, would offer that practice. It has to be practiced! Prior to my Master's experience, I would not say I was a creative person. I have a cautious disposition that does not lend itself to creativity. Learning something new for 2 years in the ITS program (pre DDLS) I now can put two seemingly different ideas together to make something new.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that has bothered me recently is how the word "innovative" is thrown about. Once in our alum magazine, the lead story was how Mason was such an innovative place, I agree with that, but the example used? Online learning.
It is interesting to know that across the country, students are lacking in their creative thinking and problem solving skills. That is a clear indicator that our educational system needs to be evaluated and adjusted so that students are learning, exploring and applying these skills. The rigorous standards are a good place to start.
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