Creativity in Education

Standardized testing makes students focus on developing students academic outcomes rather than encouraging the development of creativity. Therefore, there is a question whether schools kill students’ creativity?

The Value of Creativity in Education

Creativity can help students build cognitive complexity. (Patston, n.d.) Creativity is developed based on a certain subject or environment. Learners are trying new possibilities in pursuit of worthwhile results which can lead to the enhancement of knowledge and skills. Creativity is not making something up. (Patston, n.d.) The product and creativity need to be new and useful for people or society. Creativity can create better results due to the limitation. People need to have a deeper understanding and consideration about the projects which force them to think of a better solution for the work. Patston (n.d.) also determines that there must be a result or outcome caused by creativity, although the results and creativity are unpredicted.

“Creativeness is the ability to see relationships where none exist.”

-Thomas Disch

Myths about Creativity (Patston, n.d.)

Patston (n.d,) determines that the following myths about creativity have been dispelled

• "Creativity is only for the gifted"

• "Creativity is only for those with a mental illness"

• "Creativity cannot be taught"

• "Creativity cannot be learned"

• "Creativity cannot be assessed"

Why Creativity is Important in Education?

1. Creativity can develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

2. Students can get benefits when they start their careers if they have the ability of creativity.

3. Students are making connections and build relationships when they discuss their creativity with others.

How to support students to develop creativity

Teachers

• Create a creative environment for students

• Design interdisciplinary for students to connect different subjects

• Offer some simple creative works for students like writing poems

• Use different types of technology or media to educate students

• Do not limit the submission format of students' work

Schools

• Cooperate with various communities to create a real situation for students to use their knowledge.

• Students can hold different activities for students to create their own projects and works.

• Should provide support for teachers including training or technology support to help them develop educators' understanding of creativity