Why Creativity Should be at the Heart of Learning:

Infusing learning with creativity means that instead of simply repeating a series of motions, students can use those motions as a starting point for investigation and innovation. By applying a curious mindset as they work on their discipline, they will begin to play with techniques and try out variations to develop innovative ways of working that bear their signature. For disciplines that depend on both precision and artistry – such as graphic arts or instrument making, for example – creativity is what sets technical competence apart from mastery. By cultivating creative thought, you can help your students to apply the core skills they are mastering to novel situations, which makes their mastery both versatile and deep.

Strangely, creativity can be a product of structured learning. Structure can provide a foundation to learn a skill and practice improvising it. When a person knows the technical or theoretical framework, they will know how to properly break it, or how to merge it with other frameworks. In this way, structured learning teaches one how to solve problems through creative strategies, allowing one to determine which tools are best to use in a specific situation. At the same time, they are honing technical ability, and they walk away with a fully well-rounded learning experience.

Another benefit of creativity is the promotion of engagement and motivation. Learners who are allowed to add their own flair or try out new ways to perform a skill are more emotionally invested in the activity. This results in better learning transfer because the process feels more relevant. In addition, creative activities promote problem solving because learners must evaluate methods, predict obstacles, and brainstorm new ways to solve them. This results in improved skills, as well as the ability to perform complex tasks in changing situations.

The power of creativity is enhanced by social supports. By working with mentors or other students, learners can gain inspiration from others’ ideas and creative solutions. Learners may observe an approach or strategy they hadn’t thought of before. They may receive feedback that helps them revise their work and consider new ideas. This social support highlights the idea that creativity isn’t solely a personal attribute but can be strengthened by the collective creative assets of the classroom.

Finally, allowing creativity in the learning process means turning the process into an adventure instead of a checklist. Within certain boundaries and after an action and reaction, learning through experimentation, discussing results and techniques with your peers, teaches creativity and skill. Creativity is a means of producing a link between technique and individuality in the final product. Students that believe in this process, and practice both discipline and creativity, will end up producing high quality results that are also highly creative.