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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Does school kill creativity? What about literacy instruction?
I don't believe that schools "kill" creativity, but a good school - one with committed teachers and administrators and a strong, student-centered culture focused on affirmation - creates a structured envirnonment where independent thought is encouraged and rewarded. It's our responsiblity as educators to empower students and encourage them to articulate opinions, and it's important to recognize that this process occurs within a larger social and political context.
I think the term "kill creativity" is a bit harsh, but I do think schools favor discipline and conformity, often at the cost of creativity. This makes sense when you look at the historical purpose of education during the industrial age: creating factory workers. As our society has shifted from the industrial age to the information age, there is a new focus on creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking in education. However, there is significant lag time between the changing economy and changing education systems to support the economy.
I don't believe that schools "kill" creativity, but a good school - one with committed teachers and administrators and a strong, student-centered culture focused on affirmation - creates a structured envirnonment where independent thought is encouraged and rewarded. It's our responsiblity as educators to empower students and encourage them to articulate opinions, and it's important to recognize that this process occurs within a larger social and political context.
ReplyDeleteI think the term "kill creativity" is a bit harsh, but I do think schools favor discipline and conformity, often at the cost of creativity. This makes sense when you look at the historical purpose of education during the industrial age: creating factory workers. As our society has shifted from the industrial age to the information age, there is a new focus on creativity, problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking in education. However, there is significant lag time between the changing economy and changing education systems to support the economy.
ReplyDelete