How can creativity be developed in an educational setting?
Creativity allows the individual to discover ideas, make connections, and find solutions to problems. Creative people are known to engage the three brain systems better than noncreative people. The three brain systems include
the default mode network (in use while resting quietly and not engaged in task-generates new ideas)
the salience network (selects which stimuli are deserving of our attention-identifies which ideas are relevant and important)
executive control network (responsible for tasks and decision making-evaluates and propels ideas forward)
Other characteristics that are linked to creativity include persistence, intrinsic motivation, curiosity, energy, and positivity.
Developing creativity in students can encompass the following:
Aim for output (allowing them to stay busy and challenged)
Allow for self reflection (giving them the time to stop and think)
Be open and playful (showing them how to be open to experience-can be intellectual, aesthetic, or emotional)
Document your thoughts (providing the opportunity for them to write)
Allow for outside perspectives (teaching them how to have willingness of feedback from others)
Sleep on it (providing enough time for them to problem solve)