Making an extra effort to make the classroom a free and open space can help nurture students’ creativity
According to a renowned psychologist Martin Seligman, “We have finally arrived at an era in which more creative thinking, less rote following of an order and…even more enjoyment will succeed better”. However, how prepared are schools to foster creativity in students? Sir Ken Robinson, an international advisor on education stated that “All kids have tremendous talents but we squander them, pretty ruthlessly”. The current education system effectively educates people out of their creative abilities.
In a study published in 2005 by Dr Sarsani and Dr Halam, Indian teachers stated that preparing students for exams (87.3%), vast syllabus (86.2%), inadequate resources at schools (80.5%) and conflicting curriculum demands (76.3%) are the obstacles encountered in fostering creativity among students. While it is evident that change at a broader level of the education system itself is required; the question is what can be done given the current situation?
Robin Fogarty in an annual conference on supervision and curriculum development in San Francisco highlighted that there are three critical attributes to develop a good learning experience; first, the art of teaching, second, the instructional methodology used and third the curricular frameworks to bind this learning experience. Therefore, even within the existing curriculum there is scope for nurturing creativity. Some areas that teachers can keep in mind are as follows:
In order to fit the activities that complement the regular lecture based method, adequate planning must be done before the session starts. A realistic lesson plan along with appropriate activities can be designed. Foster an environment where curiosity and creativity is valued rather than rote learning. Sir Ken Robinson stated that “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original”. A classroom environment in which word-toword definitions from books are reinforced with praise and acceptance cannot foster creativity at the same time. Adequate reinforcement and encouragement for asking or writing something new must be the norm rather than the other way around. Teachers could start a system wherein they can meet with students during a separate hour if possible, but not discourage students from asking pertinent questions and labelling them as disturbing elements’.
Group activities and peer-led discussions can go a long way in helping students develop origi- nal ideas about topics present in the curriculum.
Even though resources are limited, a lot, however, can be done to create a space where new ideas can be stimulated through bulletin boards, spaces for students to display their creative skills, putting up information about their recent achievements or their future goals and beliefs. These activities should not be merely limited to the pre-school level. The need to create individualised and unorthodox spaces has been recognized by technology giants such as Google, Apple and Microsoft. As early as in 1958 the formative book, The Poetics of Space, highlighted the power of surroundings in influencing our mind.
What can a pen be used for? Definitely writing, but also to open the sim slot of an iphone. Divergent thinking forms an important part of creativity and problem solving. Giving homework that utilises such thinking skills instead of a routine assignment would help students not only understand concepts better but also train them to ‘think’ out of the box rather than just accept what is the norm. Research has noted that external motivation in the form of competition and comparison often discourages creativity. Recognising and acknowledging each student’s unique talents can help build self-esteem.
Keep a tab on recent updates related to resources, institutions, scholarships or even events that can help students get field exposure to explore unique interests.
Take time out in class to discuss the interests, views and goals of the students. Going that extra mile will help develop an environment where students can express themselves freely.
To help bring out the creativity in students, teachers themselves must be creative. Adolescence is seen as a phase of transition from childhood to adulthood where a person experiences various changes physiologically which, in turn, impacts our physical and mental health.
It is worth appreciation that you want to be responsible and aware about the challenges of this fascinating phase of life. Apart from the various physical and psychological transformations, teenagers also get mixed signals from the society often resulting in confusion, frustration and risk-taking behaviour.
Awareness regarding adolescent reproductive and sexual health helps in inculcating in young people like you responsible attitudes and awareness of the many aspects of sexuality, gender, abuse as well as personal hygiene.
There are many myths and misconceptions associated and young people should be able to distinguish between myths and facts. Some may feel guilty, afraid or shy about seeking information from reliable sources like teachers or counsellors. Most parents also may be hesitant and feel that they lack adequate knowledge to lead any discussion related to this topic. Therefore, many teenagers turn to peers and media as a source which may lead to incorrect information resulting in confusion. These issues have a major impact subsequently on our adult lives as this is the phase in which our thoughts and opinions get crystallised. So I would suggest you to walk up to your parents, trusted teachers or a counsellor and seek awareness to your queries in this regard.
In these times when alcohol and other substances are so freely available and socially acceptable, many youngsters get into early and heavy drinking completely ignorant of the dangerous consequences of their actions. In most instances, addiction-like conditions begin from social drinking and eventually become an intractable habit. It is indeed the right time to speak to your brother.
Make sure the timing and the mood is right. Be patient, consistent and polite but firm. Do not make accusatory statements and don’t use labels like ‘substance abuser’, but do express your concerns
Emphasise that you are keen on his well-being and want him to be aware of and responsible about his actions.it is important to let him know that you are caring, understanding and truly empathetic. And yes, be prepared for resistance and anger.
When confronted, he will defend himself and blame others for the problem, or give excuses for the need to experiment. Enhancing social skills will resist the social pressures to drink and indulge in drugs. You can take your brother to supports like the self-help groups or peer educators, where you can learn more about other people’s alcohol and associated problems. If the intervention starts early, he will soon be responsible with your care and support. Seeking help of a professional counsellor will be very useful.