The C-Content speakers all speak to one central theme, that as a society we misunderstand creativity, it's value, cultivation and worth in the 21st century workplace. Dr. Seely-Brown elaborates that learning should seek to give context to content, and that tacit understanding has more benefits than the over emphasized cognitive understanding. Also that our understanding is evolving as a species, we've moved from Homo- Sapiens (those that know), to -Faber (those who make), to -Ludens (those who play). I enjoyed this perspective of understanding; I believe it works in tandem with a post-modern perspective, where indexicality is the only thing for certain. In this world of infinite perspectives, our goal of educators is to allow for this discovery through collaboration between students. This will transform epistemology as we know and experience it.
In School Kills Creativity, Sir Ken Robinson brings up the insightful story example: A student is drawing a picture, when the teacher emerges to ask about the drawing, the student responds that she is drawing a picture of God. The teacher says nobody knows what God looks like, to which the student replies, "They will in a minute." This speaks boldly to the idea that creativity and thinking outside the box is the key successful intrinsic motivation, and educators in devotion to boxed ideas, may squash the creative spirit in students. Students have to be prepared to be wrong or they will never create anything! Together Gardner's insights about the 5 mindsets for the future: Scientific, Synthesizer, Creating, Respectful, and Ethical, and Dan Pink's video on motivation, speak to cultivating intrinsic motivation in students. Following on his concepts of intelligence types, Gardner sets the context within the 5 mindsets. These domains are essential for success in the 21st century workplace. The current generation has a different paradigm to their teachers, especially in the realm of respectful and ethical minds. The take away from these engaging videos is around the evolution of thought and how we interact with knowledge (epistemology). There are old assumptions, best practices, and defense of the institution that squash our students creativity. Instead, as educators, we need to update our assumptions, and prepare students to be successful, creative, and respectful/ethical in the 21st century. Start a new blog posting on your Weebly blog page. What were the key ideas you noted from the C-Content speakers. Any synthesis thoughts on them as a whole?
3 Comments
Jennifer Wade
11/6/2016 04:38:51 pm
I find this topic exciting as a classroom teacher. Creativity is a critical part of my Luden-esque learners' process, but even on a personal level, I think this focus could keep me from burning out. I have always seen the value of art, music, dance, and movement with young learners. They are essential in a kinder classroom. I now enjoy thinking about creativity as it applies to all curriculum areas and the thought process. I hope I can create a learning environment that promotes creative thinking ans problem solving. The thought of schools squashing creative thinking frightens me!
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Joseph Hall
11/8/2016 07:09:07 pm
"In this world of infinite perspectives, our goal of educators is to allow for this discovery through collaboration between students."
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Becky Albertazzi
11/9/2016 11:10:10 am
I really like you shining a light on "defense of our institution". I do think schools can squash creativity. But I also think my need for control, quiet classroom, organization and order also add the the lack of creativity. I know that I have felt that "student voice & choice"= off task chaos. But Daniel Pink would argue that is not the case, that allowing autonomy will increase engagement and creativity. I have slowly and somewhat reluctantly been pushing my own comfort levels and allowing more choice for students. I prepare for disaster, and have been pleasantly surprised with the results. Students have risen to the challenge and had better and more creative answers that if I had planned and managed their every move. Change is hard. Much harder for teachers than for the students. I have hope that PBL, inquiry, 4 C's and even the common core standards encourage more creativity and collaboration. And as educators, we can encourage opportunities for creativity to occur.
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AuthorAs a teacher and community advocate I strive to remedy the challenges of adverse childhood experiences (ACE), poverty and violence. I'm intrigued by the motivation that is cultivated by different supportive and discouraging learning environment, and how overcoming the achievement gap can transform our society. Archives
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