Creativity and Curiosity: My Thoughts - Special Post #12A

1. Do schools in the United States systematically destroy (or inhibit) the development of curiosity and/or creativity in students? If yes, why does that happen? If no, how do you counter the argument of Sir Ken Robinson that schools do undermine the development of creativity in students?


     Yes, schools do destroy the development of creativity and curiosity in students. This is done by forcing students to take standardized tests. Students end up spending all of their time learning material to be tested on and teachers spend much of their time "teaching to the test." These students should be creatively exploring their world and learning for the sake of learning. If given the chance, children will want to learn and explore.

2. Can a curriculum be developed that increases the curiosity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum?
3.Can a curriculum be developed that increases the creativity of students? If so, what would be the key components of such a curriculum?

     Yes, there are actually quite a few possibilities for a curriculum that increases (doesn't inhibit) the curiosity or creativity of students. In this class, we've seen the possibilities of a project-based curriculum. A project-based curriculum is set up on a pass or fail scale and there are no grades for individual projects, only completed, not completed, and late. Another possible curriculum could be the Waldorf curriculum (What is Waldorf Education?). In the Waldorf curriculm children are encouraged to play, sing, and learn from their environment. There are no grades, only pass or fail. Individual assignments are given ar completed or not completed status. Testing is not a component of either of the above curriculum. Both of the aforementioned curriculum's allow for learning about one's own environment in ways that encourage curiosity, creativity and the nurturing of a child.

4. Can a teacher's actions increase the curiosity of students? If so, what would be those actions?
5. Can a teacher's actions increase the creativity of students? If so, what would be those actions?

     Yes, I think that a teacher can completly change the tone and feel of a classroom. If a teacher doesn't particularily care about his/her students or their success, the students will know it. It is one hundred percent vital that a teacher cares about his/her students completely. I think that in many ways a wonderful curriculum can be completely spoiled by a poor teacher. A teacher can facilitate creativity and curiosity by using a good curriculum, truly caring, and by supporting her/ his students.

6.What would help you become more creative? What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process?
7. What would help you become more curious? What role would teachers and/or schools have in that process?

     I think that I am more creative, curious, and generally happy because I'm in the field of education. I feel that I will be able to go into the classroom and make a difference in the lives of my students. With all of that said, I will be careful in choosing a school that is a good fit for me and what I want to achieve. If I cannot get along with the teachers and administration, then I won't be able to make my changes. Also, I think it's important to find a healthy school environment.


     Elli's full name is Elspeth Bishop. She was born and grew up in Colorado. Elspeth now lives in Salt Lake City, Utah where skiing.  She is the author of Curiosity Fuels Creativity: Teaching your kids to be curious and writes for InGoodMeasure.net. More information about her can be found out on her Google+.

    I could easily contact Ms. Bishop through Google+, but I chose not to contact her because her profile was private and I didn't want to intrude into her life.