Thursday, April 19, 2012

Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

 Curiour George


     Not all, but several schools  in the United States do not encourage students to be creative or allow them to be curious. In addition, students are not able to use their imagination and show how they really understand a subject matter. A lot of  teachers are ready to leave the classroom the time they walk in the door.  I think teachers  stick with the same boring routine of teaching because they are afraid of change and do not know other ways of teaching and using creativity. Some teachers may think that being curious and creative is a challenge. Also, a lot of people are under the impression that being curious can get you into trouble. Teachers fill facts into the students brains and do not let students think on their own, rather they are to assume everything the teacher says is true.

       A curriculum can be developed to increase the curiosity  and creativity of students. Teachers have to be up for a change. They have to be willing to have fun with the lessons and interact with the students. Students can  be curious and teachers can still make rules to follow. Teachers need to be reasonable and not set high expectations for their students They need to be willing to consider their students opinions. The class curriculum should be flexible and thought out thoroughly. Teachers can ask questions with each lesson that require the students to think critically. Also, teachers can give projects that allows the students to use their imagination, show their artwork, use technology tools,  and express their feelings. Nobody should be afraid of using technology.

      Teachers need to inspire students and be role models. The students increase in curiosity is determined by the delivery of the teachers message.The teachers need to stimulate  a certain idea or question in depth that will make the students wants  to research the topic on their own. Students are likely to follow what they see their teachers do. Curiosity fuels creativity. A teachers body language and excitement in delivering the lesson/assignment can stimulate students to be creative.

       I would have to say I am not a very creative person when it comes to school. I guess I haven't had a lot of  opportunities to be creative, until this class. Curiosity, wanting to inspire people, research and wanting to think outside the box can help me be creative. Teachers and schools can give me the opportunity to share my ideas.  I think if I was challenged more and given the opportunity to further explore  topics, then I would be more curious.  The role of teachers and schools is to mix things up and be willing to change plan. The teachers can ask me questions that do not have well known answers that will make me be curious to find out more on how I can solve  the question. 

Links to further your knowledge of  Curiosity and Creativity:


Curiosity fuels Creativity


Educating the next Steve Jobs

1 comment:

  1. "Not all, but several schools in the United States do not encourage students to be creative or allow them to be curious." What numbers am I to attaché to the word "several"?

    Interesting. Honest. Well written.

    ReplyDelete