President of the International Federation of Inventors Association, Dr. Farag Moussa believes there are issues keeping young people from being more creative. At the top of his list ( found at http://www.invention-ifia.ch/Youth_PromotionCreativity.htm) are certain environmental factors and the American educational system.

One aspect of a child’s environment, which usually goes unnoticed, is over-stimulation in the classroom. Posters, drawings, fluorescent lights, maps, assorted supplies, animals and people fill traditional learning spaces. While they are necessary tools for education, so many objects could prove be over-stimulating. It is more difficult to clear your mind and brainstorm new ideas when there is so much clutter. This clutter is a true roadblock to childhood creativity.

American educational systems are another issue. Moussa believes that students who explore their creative sides are not always rewarded, and are sometimes considered a disruption and I agree. In a society increasingly focused on standardized tests and memorization, children that think creatively have a challenging time learning in mainstream classrooms. But to correct this pattern would be problematic, as evaluating the creative process is subjective and challenging.

How can these roadblocks to childhood creativity be removed while maintaining the level of education children are accustomed to? Making classrooms stark white, and eliminating formal testing is unrealistic, but what can be done?

- Erin [erin.canty@brainreactions]

| Creativity & Brainstorming | Email Article | Share on Facebook | del.icio.us | digg this

2 Responses to “Identifying Roadblocks To Childhood Creativity”

1. anandvc Says:
   October 6th, 2005 at 1:57 pm

   I think we should learn from google and allow 20% free time for students to work on their own projects. During this time, students who are non-conformists and the most different-thinking will be rewarded.

   Also, I think introducing meditation rooms in schools where the room is beautifully clear and empty, and where children go to allow day-dreaming or focusing on relaxation would help counter the effects of the over-stimulation.

   These are just a couple of ideas, but there are several solutions possible I think.

2. Rushikesh Says:
   October 22nd, 2005 at 4:23 am

   Hey Erin, I agree with what Anand says, infact same is done by 3M also. 3M have this program in their organistion since a long time. The results were mind blowing. what they did was they allowed their employees to devote 15% of their time to the work that they were intersted in. A few months they came with a Break through piece of paper and gum application which does not stick to any surface today we all call it ‘Post-it’ 3M got the the patend for this idea and are making a buisness of 100million dollars every year .Called the big ‘C’ by Thomas A. Luckenbach.

   The topic is in line with the kind of work i am currently in .
   The course design, medium of delivery and the evaluation method plays a major in the creative development.

   In a case where where you cannot change the level of education
   the student are accoustomed to, what can be done is to change the Evaluation Method. Don’t evaluate the ability to memorize. evaluate their UNDERSTANDING of the Fundamentals, and ability to APPLY the knowledge. This can be done by scenerio based tests. But these scenerios have to be carefully DESIGNED. Give students scenerio/problems and ask for solutions/comments. This will automatically change the way of looking at the course material, this will also encourage exploration, application and cross domain learning.
   This tests can also be conducted on group of students which helps the student to learn from each other.
   Most important : If the student fails it is not just the problem of the students ability, it the problem with the education. That should also be evaluated. There are various ways to do it, Pre and Post education test is one of them.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.