Do Schools Kill Creativity? | Michelle Vruwink | TEDxYouth@FranklinSchoolOfInnovation

TL;DR

Schools play a role in stifling creativity, as observed in the decline of creativity scores in students. However, there are strategies that teachers can implement to inspire creativity, such as teaching the creative process, creating a safe learning environment, giving students choices, encouraging problem-solving, sharing student work beyond the classroom, and providing meaningful learning experiences.

Transcript

[Applause] how many of you have watched Sir Ken Robinson's Ted Talk on how schools kill creativity if I could see I'm assuming I could see some hands so it's the most watched Ted Talk of all time with over 75 million views and here I am someone who runs a school and I'm going to talk with you about creativity tonight it's a little intimidating to s... Read More

Key Insights

• 💯 The most watched TED Talk, by Sir Ken Robinson, addresses how schools stifle creativity, with research showing a decline in creativity scores in students.
• 👨‍🏫 Creativity and curiosity are closely linked, and schools have a role in nurturing both.
• 🧑‍🎓 Teachers can foster creativity by teaching the creative process, creating a safe learning environment, allowing for problem-solving, giving students choices, sharing student work beyond the classroom, and providing meaningful learning experiences.
• 🗯️ Standardized tests and a focus on a single right answer contribute to the decline of creativity in schools.
• 🤔 Students' creativity thrives in classrooms where they feel safe and supported to take risks and engage in possibly risky thinking.
• 🧑‍🎓 Incorporating real-world issues and projects into the curriculum can promote creativity and give students a sense of purpose in their learning.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the paperclip quiz relate to creativity?

The paperclip quiz, which tests divergent thinking, was found to be predictive of creativity. Researchers concluded that we learn non-creative behavior in schools, supporting Sir Ken Robinson's argument about schools stifling creativity.

Q: How can teachers support students' creativity in the classroom?

Teachers can support creativity by teaching the creative process, providing a safe learning environment, giving students choices in how they learn and demonstrate their understanding, encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking, sharing student work beyond the classroom, and providing meaningful learning experiences.

Q: Why is it important for students to feel safe in the classroom for creativity to thrive?

The amygdala, responsible for triggering a threat response, can inhibit creative thinking when students feel vulnerable or embarrassed. Creating a safe classroom environment allows students to take risks and engage in possibly risky thinking, promoting creativity.

Q: How can teachers address the standardized testing pressure while fostering creativity?

Teachers can allocate time for students to grapple with problems independently, allowing for creativity and problem-solving. By incorporating creative teaching methods and providing opportunities for students to share their work beyond the classroom, teachers can balance test preparation with creativity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk highlighted how schools kill creativity, but creativity and curiosity are closely linked.

• Research shows that creativity scores in students have declined over the years, partially due to an increased emphasis on standardized tests and teaching a single right answer.

• Teachers can foster creativity by teaching the creative process, creating a safe and inclusive learning environment, allowing for problem-solving and exploration, sharing student work beyond the classroom, and providing meaningful learning experiences.