The Creative Classroom
“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.”
--Albert Einstein
There is a place and definitely a need for creativity in the classroom. I, however, would be willing to bet that most classrooms in the United States are lacking much, if any, creativity. That’s sad when you think of all the creative teachers that are teaching in America. Unfortunately, bureaucracy and high-stakes testing has taken away from both teacher and student creativity.
First, fostering creativity takes time and effort. Where are we going to find the extra time to do that? Many teachers are so focused on covering standards that they get caught up in how much material needs to be covered rather than the quality of the material covered. Second, students today are overloaded with technology and instant gratification that they have difficulty thinking creatively. They are so obsessed with what’s the right way or wrong way to do something. They don’t understand that creativity is not about doing something one way or the other. It’s about thinking, exploring, discovering, and imagining. The challenge for the teacher is creating those opportunities for creativity without sacrificing too much curriculum.
No one says that you need to be creative 100% of the time. As a matter of fact that would be virtually impossible for most teachers who aren’t Wright Fellows. I think trying something new and creative once a week or even once a month would be a good start for most teachers. Students on the other hand, may need daily opportunities to think creatively if we want it to be a natural skill. Most teachers do daily bell ringers that can provide opportunities for creative thought. It might look different in individual subjects, but it can be done. The MTI initiative is a key example of incorporating creative problem solving in class. I think the major idea of MTI is to allow the students the chance to explore problems. Fortunately, the concepts provided with MTI can carry over to more than just math classes. It’s all in how you question the students and allow them to discover other ways to solve problems.
Nate, you have a point that teachers are worried about teaching the standards. English and Math teachers have the added pressure of this since these subjects are the focus of the ISATs. I had to make my curriculum calendars that aligned what I taught to the State standards and the Common Core standards since these will be adopted. I was actually surprised how many standards I taught, even in English, with only six weeks. Multiple standards, both State and Common Core, can be taught with less concepts. Since I only have six weeks, I focus my English class around one theme, but bring in multiple ways to study it. The kids can focus on learning about less material, but in a broader more meaningful way, and I am less freaked out about meeting the standards.
ReplyDeleteNate, I think we can be creative each day, even if it is only for a short time. I try to shoot for atleast one activity that will be fun, engage different skills, or get kids out of their comfort zones. It may seem funny, but one of my favorite things to do is put on some music and do a dance circle. I make up some pretty goofy moves, and the kids copy me. Then, we go around the circle and they get to lead a move too. It is fun, and I'd venture to say it taps into creative thought.
ReplyDeleteIt's just an idea, take it as you will.
Guess I am an ELA or too-old fashioned teacher, but I have to ask: what is MTI? Where do I find it?
ReplyDeleteI think MTI is the math training that Ryan was teaching - required by state for certain teachers???
ReplyDeleteNate, I enjoyed reading your post and it seems getting the kids to "unplug", head to the woods, play in a stream, dig in the mud, look at the stars, listen to the sounds of the night in the woods, fish, hunt, raft, find perriwinkles and snails, water the yard, then use flashlights to find worms in the dark and use them for bait, climb trees, build forts, swing from a barn swing, muck through swamps, and stuff like that would be really great for all kids but especially inner-city kids. Seems like it would be hard, or at least it would be hard for me, to feel connected to organic life if I was constantly surrounded by noise, concrete, walls, lights, electronic devices, and so on...just being around greenery and fresh air improves my outlook on life. Plus they learn to be creative, resourceful and maybe more appreciative of life.
Childhood was a blast!