Bitesize Research: Creativity In Classrooms

By Jaya Carrier

I hope everyone’s having a great week! Continuing with our theme on student-centered learning for T3, I was interested in some research conducted by Gallup into creativity in learning. The research was conducted about the USA. Objectives: To understand the current uses of creativity in US classrooms, and how this impacts students, and their parents. Summary:

• More pressure and emphasis on external accountability on teachers had led to more traditional forms of teaching instruction
• The report's authors argue that this does not equip students for the modern world, wherein they are required to be more creative than ever to solve complex problems.
• Creativity in teaching and learning fosters positive outcomes for students which include better criticality as well as creativity. These positive outcomes are particularly heightened when technology is used.
• Students spend less time than previous generations doing creative activities in schools.
• A supportive and collaborative school environment enables teachers to better use creative approaches to learning.
• Students and their parents generally support the idea of more creative approaches to learning.

How does this impact me and my practice?:

Some reflection questions arising from this that might be helpful to consider are:

• How different is this US study from a typical UK experience in your opinion?
• How do you foster creativity in your lessons?
• How do you use technology in your lessons to support creativity?

If you would like to discuss this further with me - please let me know! I’d be delighted to open up these discussions and conversations.