Unleashing creativity

CREATIVITY is a high profile trait of educators at present. The teaching profession entails great level of creativity if educators are to prepare our young people for life and work in an increasingly uncertain and rapidly changing economic and social environment.

Creativity is a process which generates ideas that have value. It means approaching problems in new, innovative ways; conceptualizing problems differently; and understanding your position in relation to any particular situation in a way you’d never thought of before. It involves looking at familiar things with a fresh eye, examining problems with an open mind, making connections, learning from mistakes and using imagination to explore new possibilities.

It is now a challenge for teachers to exhibit the skill of creativity to their students by modelling it in their teaching practice. We’re told to “think outside the box” all the time, but how exactly do we do that? How do we develop the ability to confront problems in ways other than the ways we normally confront problems? How do we cultivate the ability to look at things differently from the way we typically look at things?

Most people falsely think that you’re either born a creative thinker or not. The truth is creative thinkers intuitively know how to think— and be—outside the box. I read that not only can this skill become second nature, but anyone can master it. In other words, thinking outside the box, like any skill, is one that can be developed through practice.

Being glued to the traditional way of teaching and not wanting to venture out to learn more about your field is certainly not being creative. Exploring other possibilities in delivering instruction to learners is. Coming up with innovative ways to make teaching and learning more effective is. Looking beyond your work’s boundaries and existing conventions to the learner's real needs is.

There certainly are other numerous ways to help you develop creativity. Books that offer tips can prove helpful. The internet can also provide beneficial advice on how to unleash that creativity in you. But above all, willingness to leave your psychological comfort zone and explore "solutions in the unknown world on the outside” comes necessary.