How do you teach creativity?
Is it just that some come out of their mother's womb with the ability to see things differently?
Haven't you met those people: They can take an idea and search it and stretch it and manipulate it to the point that it becomes unrecognizable but genius. They can convey emotions and feelings, depth and meaning through a simple act. They can turn something ordinary and mundane into beauty. And they can do all this without the guidance or insight of another human being.
Then there are the others. The ones who can't pull an original thought out of their minds if it killed them. No matter how many times they are asked to think deeper on a subject or to look at it in a different way, they will continue to revert back to the generic. They are good workers, pay attention to detail and execute well. But they will always choose symbols over originality.
And these are my students.
So, I'm left with the thought of how to reach them both.
I tend to think that one can be taught to think creatively. I think that with the right motivation and instruction, others can start to see "outside the box" and look at life a little differently.
In my classroom I evaluate other's ability to create. And this can become a very sticky situation. Creativity is a personal thing with ownership and value attached. I must tread lightly when dealing with these developing souls.
I prompt and prod and push along until I see the light go off, until I see a glimmer of hope spring up in their eyes.
And then we start drawing on the ceiling.
