Divergent Thinking

Another interesting presentation by Ken Robinson at the RSA about how school reduces people's capacity for divergent thinking and how we are born with an innate ability to think laterally. Divergent thinking should be one of the main learning objectives of any task that gets students be be creative and might be something that we all consider when planning and evaluating such activities.

Creativity is not just for the arts

Prior to our forum next week, I thought it might be interesting if members considered how creativity and innovation can be nurtured in the STEM subjects since we are having a presentation by Tom Wood and Pete Lowe. This video is a response by Sir Ken Robinson to a Twitter comment:

Does focusing on science and math give students necessary skills and mindsets for innovation? -@reemalmasri

I like the way that Robinson is able to articulate the importance of creativity beyond purely the arts. Below are some of my selected quotes:

"Innovations are driven not only by scientists but also by artists, musicians, philosophers.... and economies depend upon a multiplicity of talents"

"...need to focus on the holistic nature of culture and economic development"

"... it is important that we don't focus on the STEM subjects exclusively as they are part of a matrix of educational disciplines that make education effective"

Creativity is not often discussed at school in the context of economic development and usually only within the context of the creative industries. However, the creative thinking process is behind every business with products and ideas having to have be designed/created - it is therefore it is a very transferable skill that economic prosperity relies upon. Nonetheless, it also raises the issue of whether we should primarily value education as being preparation for economic well-being? However, we also have a duty to young people's cultural, social, spiritual and personal well-being so it is a matter of understanding how best to balance the curriculum/learning environment.

Ken Robinson's Speech on Creativity

You may or may not be familiar with this presentation by Ken Robinson, a professor that specialises in creativity and innovation, but he raises some very interesting points about how creativity is essential for preparing young people for the future.



Alternatively, you can see the presentation through this excellent animation: