Do Schools Kill Creativity? | Michelle Vruwink | TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation

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Creativity and Curiosity

Creativity is closely linked to curiosity, and the conditions that support one support the other.
Schools are often seen as places where creativity is stifled, but it doesn't have to be that way.
A study by George Land and Beth Jarman found that 98% of preschoolers are creative geniuses, but only 2% of adults retain that level of creativity.
Standardized tests and an emphasis on convergent thinking in schools may be contributing to the decline in creativity.

Divergent thinking, the ability to come up with many new ideas, is essential for creativity and is best fostered in relaxed environments without a focus on right or wrong answers.
Creativity requires both divergent and convergent thinking, but schools currently reward and measure convergent thinking skills almost exclusively.

Creativity can be taught through a process involving preparation, incubation, illumination, evaluation, and implementation.
An example of teaching the creative process is seen in a middle school art classroom where students create maps of imaginary worlds.
Teaching creativity in the classroom is essential for student growth and development.

Creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel comfortable taking risks is crucial for fostering creativity.
Providing students with clear expectations and choices in how they participate and demonstrate their learning can help them feel more secure and motivated.
Allowing students to grapple with problems and work together on challenging tasks encourages problem-solving and creativity.
Sharing student work beyond the classroom can motivate students and provide them with a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Learning Expeditions, which involve students in complex projects that address real-world issues, can provide opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.

Overcoming barriers and providing teachers with the time and permission to create non-traditional learning experiences is necessary to support creativity in schools.
Teachers can inspire creativity in the classroom by teaching it, creating a safe environment for risk-taking, providing choices, allowing students to solve problems independently, sharing their work beyond the classroom, and letting them engage in meaningful real work.

To foster curiosity and creativity in children, schools must prioritize and allocate time for these practices.
Teachers have the power to transform their classrooms into environments that spark curiosity, joy, and creativity, preparing students for the future they will shape.