Embedded Files
Let's Think Creative...
Let's Think Creative...
by La'Kisha Jones
Creatively vs Creativity?
Creative teaching uses engaging methods in the classroom to create a dynamic learning environment.
Teaching for creativity focuses on fostering students' creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
The former involves employing imaginative approaches to enhance the learning experience,
while the latter focuses on recognizing and nurturing learners’ creative abilities.
https://thisvsthat.io/create-vs-creativity
This learner-centered approach encourages students to think outside the box and come up with original ideas.
What is the difference between teaching creatively and teaching creativity?
Teaching creatively involves utilizing imaginative and engaging methods within the classroom to foster a vibrant learning environment. According to
Pishghadam et al. (2012), the "nature of teaching is unpredictable," highlighting the importance of adaptability and innovation in education.
By embracing creativity, educators can better connect with their students and enhance their overall learning experience. Mróz and Ocetkiewicz (2021) emphasize that this approach is essential to human life today and in the future, as it nurtures a love for learning and fosters a deeper connection between students and the material.
In contrast, teaching for creativity focuses on fostering students' creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is learner-centered and encourages students to think outside the box and come up with original ideas. By setting open-ended tasks, encouraging brainstorming sessions, and promoting a culture of experimentation, educators can help students thrive in their educational journey.
Why is it important to teach creatively?
Specific skills are non-negotiable for a successful creative teacher. Embracing innovative teaching methods and adapting to changing circumstances are essential. Pishghadam et al. (2012) note that teaching for creativity is learner-focused, while teaching creatively is more teacher-focused.
A commitment to lifelong learning is crucial for maintaining relevance in the classroom. Effective collaboration and communication skills are also key traits of successful educators. Mróz and Ocetkiewicz (2021) assert that creativity is synonymous with success, highlighting the importance of fostering creative approaches in teaching.
Creative teaching methods enhance student engagement and motivation, making learning enjoyable and effective. For example, using storytelling, role-playing, and gamification can captivate students' hearts and minds. Project-based learning and art integration can also help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Why is the attitude of teaching creatively valuable and shares effectiveness?
Teaching creatively inspires students and lays the groundwork for essential approaches that foster a dynamic learning environment. Success as a teacher relies not just on the quality of one's education but also on one's personal attributes Pishghadam et al. (2025).
Furthermore, Mastur and Zainuddin (n.d.) highlight the significant impact of teacher professional competence on creativity, enhancing students' educational experience and motivation.
Creative teaching methods enhance academic performance and boost student satisfaction. Engaging instruction helps students better understand and remember concepts, while also fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. For teachers, creative approaches increase job satisfaction by allowing self-expression and making the teaching experience more enjoyable.
Conclusion
Teaching creatively often inspires and sets the foundation for teaching for creativity, making both approaches essential in fostering a dynamic learning environment. Those who cultivate these skills will undoubtedly rise to the top and significantly impact the field of education (Pishghadam et al., 2025). For instance, teaching creatively might involve storytelling, gamified lessons, or hands-on experiments. Teaching for creativity, on the other hand, could include activities like design challenges, collaborative projects, or encouraging students to question and critique ideas. Creation and creativity are essential elements of the same process, each critical to innovation and originality (Creative vs. Creativity. 2023). With students' unique interests and curiosities, educators can transform lessons into rich, interactive experiences, making the pursuit of knowledge enjoyable and profoundly impactful.
What do you remember about the lesson?
What do you remember about the lesson?
(click the arrow on the right of each question to reveal the answer)
Question 1 (Knowledge Question)
What is one key difference between teaching creatively and teaching for creativity?
A. Teaching creatively focuses on student-centered learning while teaching for creativity focuses on teacher-centered instruction.
B. Teaching creatively involves imaginative methods by the teacher, while teaching for creativity encourages students to develop their own
creative thinking skills.
C. Teaching creatively is primarily about following a strict curriculum, while teaching for creativity involves breaking away from the curriculum.
D. Teaching creatively is limited to arts and crafts activities while teaching for creativity applies only to academic subjects.
Answer
B. Teaching creatively involves imaginative methods by the teacher while teaching for creativity encourages students to develop their own creative thinking skills.
Question 2 (Application Question)
A teacher wants to introduce a new science topic on the water cycle in a way that fosters both teaching creatively and teaching for creativity. Which of the following approaches would best achieve this goal?
A. Present a detailed lecture on the water cycle, followed by a quiz to assess understanding.
B. Assign a reading from the textbook and ask students to write a summary of what they learned.
C. Use a storytelling approach to explain the water cycle, then have students create their own stories or drawings depicting the process.
D. Provide a worksheet with fill-in-the-blank questions about the water cycle for students to complete independently.
Answer
C. Use a storytelling approach to explain the water cycle, then have students create their own stories or drawings depicting the process.
Question 3 (Philosophy Question)
Which educational philosophy best describes my essay?
A. Essentialism
B. Existentialism
C. Perennialism
D. Progressivism
Answer
D. Progressivism
Progressivism focuses on preparing students for changing world challenges by promoting active participation and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
References
Child Creativity Lab. (2014, March 13). Why do we need creativity? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6unnLOsXHxM
Create vs. Creativity - What’s the Difference? | This vs. That. (n.d.). This Vs. That. https://thisvsthat.io/create-vs-creativity
OnSide Learning. (2013, August 13). Education- creativity [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khcyilcpjE
Planet Nutshell. (2024, May 16). What is Creativity? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epozpX6StkU
Mastur and Zainuddin. (n.d.). The effect of teacher’s professional competence on teacher creativity in elementary school. https://eric.ed.gov/q=creativity&ft=on&ff1=subTeacher+Attitudes&id=EJ1398749
Mróz and Ocetkiewicz, I. (2021). Creativity for sustainability: How do Polish teachers develop students’ creativity competence? Analysis of research results. Sustainability, 13(2), 571. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020571
Novak, E., Kuo, C., Tassell, J. L., & Morris, G. (2024). Effects of a Creativity Enhancement intervention on preservice elementary teachers’ creativity in computing Education. TechTrends. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-00998-3
Pishghadam, R., Ghorbani, T., & Shaghayegh, N. (n.d.). (2025) Creativity and its Relationship with Teacher Success https://profdoc.um.ac.ir/articles/a/1031884.pdf
KEY POINTS:
Creativity: Understanding what it means to think outside the box in a teaching context.
Problem-Solving: Techniques for developing solutions to common classroom issues.
Flexibility: The importance of adapting ideas and approaches to fit different situations.
Collaboration: Working together to share ideas and enhance creative thinking.
Technology Integration: Utilizing computer resources to support creative teaching methods.
How I used AI
Microsoft Copilot provided comprehensive feedback during writing and editing, enhancing clarity and overall quality, while ChatGPT assisted with spell-checking and grammar correction, improving sentence structure and flow. MagicSchool AI helped ensure accurate in-text citations, saving time and maintaining consistency, and Canvas AI capabilities allowed me to create engaging visuals for my lesson, enriching the presentation. These AI tools helped me organize and focus on the topic by collectively elevating the lesson by improving citations, writing quality, and visuals, making the process smoother and resulting in a coherent, impactful, and engaging lesson.
Page updated
Report abuse