In recent months, I have strayed away from my blog posts on creativity. While the subject remains relevant, particularly as it relates to the youths of today, I haven't had many reason to drop into the subject matter. I did have an excuse recently, as a myself and a couple of classmates (Pete Goodrich and Sakhavat Mammadov) took a shot at explaining some possible problem areas, as well as solutions, to the creativity crisis.
Since I hadn't told my partners about this post, I'll just give a brief overview. Pete Goodrich examined the reduction of emphasis on standardized testing as a possible way to help children retain their creativity. It is widely understood that giving tests to kids might not hinder their creative ability, but it surely does not enhance their capabilities. While the reduction is a great idea, and something that has been considered here in Virginia (number of required SOL tests has been reduced from 22 to 16), one could also argue that the practice cannot be eliminated. In fact, Dr. Richard Phelps, who has been the topic of a blog post here, believes that the practice, although unpopular, needs to be maintained at some level, simply because of the wide variance in teacher grading. With standardized testing, at least we can use the same measuring stick to determine a student's retention of a subject matter.
I took a brief look at the technological aspect with creativity, but went to the other side of the argument. Of course, technology in its existing form can do wonders to enhance the creative mind of a child. But, it must be used properly in a school setting. I examined the idea of online testing. While students can use technology to take a test, there are other great distractions that can get in the way of that function - most notably video games and checking social media sites. Technology is a plus, but it must be harnessed in order for young students to retain focus.
Sakhavat looked at the topic through the lens of the evolving teacher. As he wisely noted, teachers need to enable certain characteristics to help enhance the creativity of their students, even if they do not possess high levels of creativity on their own personal level. He examined some notable articles, and I am sure that he will offer more to the rich literature offering himself as a doctoral candidate.
I will revisit this concept of wisely utilizing technology to enhance student creativity in the near future.
Since I hadn't told my partners about this post, I'll just give a brief overview. Pete Goodrich examined the reduction of emphasis on standardized testing as a possible way to help children retain their creativity. It is widely understood that giving tests to kids might not hinder their creative ability, but it surely does not enhance their capabilities. While the reduction is a great idea, and something that has been considered here in Virginia (number of required SOL tests has been reduced from 22 to 16), one could also argue that the practice cannot be eliminated. In fact, Dr. Richard Phelps, who has been the topic of a blog post here, believes that the practice, although unpopular, needs to be maintained at some level, simply because of the wide variance in teacher grading. With standardized testing, at least we can use the same measuring stick to determine a student's retention of a subject matter.
I took a brief look at the technological aspect with creativity, but went to the other side of the argument. Of course, technology in its existing form can do wonders to enhance the creative mind of a child. But, it must be used properly in a school setting. I examined the idea of online testing. While students can use technology to take a test, there are other great distractions that can get in the way of that function - most notably video games and checking social media sites. Technology is a plus, but it must be harnessed in order for young students to retain focus.
Sakhavat looked at the topic through the lens of the evolving teacher. As he wisely noted, teachers need to enable certain characteristics to help enhance the creativity of their students, even if they do not possess high levels of creativity on their own personal level. He examined some notable articles, and I am sure that he will offer more to the rich literature offering himself as a doctoral candidate.
I will revisit this concept of wisely utilizing technology to enhance student creativity in the near future.
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