Can creativity be taught?

Bruce Haynes

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The title question and two subsequent questions are considered in the context of rational creativity. A-rational creativity is not considered. 

    Q. Can creativity be taught? 

    A. It depends on what is meant by ‘creativity’ and ‘taught’ in what context. 

    Q1. Is teaching either creativity or critical thinking inimical to the practice of the other? 

    A1. Not necessarily, each is required for the success of the other and both are required for successful living. 

    Q2. Are Australian schools and universities a good place to learn critical thinking and creativity? 

    A2. Yes, when teachers teach with sensitivity to the actual needs of students; No, if accountability standards are applied narrowly through testing and ranking to inhibit the practice and reward of critical thinking and creativity in the classroom; and Perhaps Yes, if new creativity tests are devised to help teachers create classrooms that encourage and reward creativity across the curriculum.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)34-44
    Number of pages11
    JournalEducational Philosophy and Theory
    Volume52
    Issue number1
    Early online date2 Apr 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2020

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