"All kids have tremendous talents, and we squander them, pretty ruthlessly." -Sir Ken Robinson
In 2006, renowned education expert Sir Ken Robinson delivered an extraordinarily insightful TED talk titled "Do Schools Kill Creativity?". This seminal 19-minute presentation articulated a bold theory - that contemporary education systems actively suppress creativity in children.
Through persuasive arguments and witty humour, Robinson contended that schools' overemphasis on standardized testing, academic rigour, and conformity results in the gradual atrophying of creative thought.
To illustrate his point, he used an evocative analogy. Schools educate children out of their innate creativity in the same way some people are educated out of their natural accents at boarding schools.
Just as accent training moulds speech into a homogenized pattern, so does standardization in academics mould once-creative minds into uniformity. Robinson's talk struck a deep chord, becoming the most viewed TED talk in history with over 75 million views.
In this article, I embark on a journey to revisit the timeless wisdom of Sir Ken Robinson's talk and explore the evolution of creativity in education. We'll delve into the signs of progress that suggest a brighter future for creative learning. We'll also take a close look at the pivotal role that edtech plays in nurturing creativity and transforming traditional classrooms into hubs of innovation.
Why The Talk Still Resonates
Though over 15 years have passed since Robinson's famous talk, many of his critiques still ring true in education systems today. In particular, the prominence of standardized testing and focus on core academic subjects continue to take priority over creative pursuits in most schools.
Standardized Testing Still Prominent:
One of Robinson's central criticisms was the undue emphasis on standardized testing as the primary measure of a student's abilities. While we've witnessed some shifts in assessment methods, particularly with the rise of project-based learning and competency-based assessments, standardized testing continues to hold significant sway over educational policies in many regions despite the fact that it’s still failing students. The pressure to "teach to the test" remains a concern for educators, stifling the freedom to explore creative teaching methods and individualized learning experiences.
Focus on Core Academic Subjects Over Arts and Creativity:
Robinson's poignant argument that the arts and creative subjects often take a backseat to traditional academic subjects remains an enduring issue. Schools continue to grapple with budget constraints and competing priorities, sometimes relegating arts programs to the periphery. However, there is a growing recognition of the vital role arts and creativity play in holistic education, leading to encouraging initiatives aimed at revitalizing these programs.
Rigid Classroom Structures and Curriculum-Driven Learning:
Traditional classroom structures and curriculum-driven learning were at the core of Robinson's critique. The "one-size-fits-all" approach to education often stifled creativity and individuality. Despite efforts to introduce flexibility into classrooms, such as the inclusion of project-based learning and student-centered approaches, rigid structures persist in many educational settings.
Fear of Failure and Peer Pressure Inhibit Creativity:
Robinson's observation that the fear of failure and peer pressure can inhibit creativity is as relevant today as it was in 2006. Students often grapple with the fear of making mistakes, which can deter them from taking creative risks. Peer pressure, too, can discourage deviation from the norm. These psychological barriers persist in various forms and need to be addressed to unleash creativity fully.
In revisiting these enduring challenges, we recognize that the relevance of Robinson's talk is not a testament to stagnation but a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for progress.
Signs of Progress
Substantial room for improvement remains, but it would be inaccurate to assert that no meaningful progress has occurred since Robinson issued his call to action. Promising strides have been made to reprioritize creativity in pockets of the education landscape, even if the prevailing headwinds of conformity persist.
Increased Funding and Programs for Arts and Creativity in Some Schools:
Advocacy efforts have increasingly highlighted the critical benefits of arts education and creative thinking skills. This has led more school districts to invest in expanded music, theatre, visual arts and other programs. They recognize that creativity is not a luxury but a fundamental aspect of human development. Initiatives such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education are gaining traction, integrating creative disciplines into the core curriculum. Students today have greater access to these vital creative outlets compared to their peers just 15 years ago.
More Creative Activities and Assignments in Classrooms:
Innovative teaching techniques such as project-based learning, design thinking challenges, and multimedia assignments have gained traction. Educators are increasingly incorporating creative activities and assignments into their lessons. They understand that creativity is not limited to arts classes but can enhance learning in all subjects. These classroom innovations offer students more opportunities to learn through hands-on creative problem-solving and expression.
New Technology Enabling Creative Media Production:
Technology has evolved into a powerful enabler of creativity. Students now have access to a wide array of digital tools and platforms for creative expression. From video editing software to music composition apps, these tools democratize the ability to produce and share creative media. Technological advancements have enabled new channels for imagination.
The pace of systemic change is gradual, yes. But the expanding oases of progress reveal that creativity in education can flourish when given the fertile conditions to take root. These signs of progress offer a glimmer of hope on the horizon of education. They underscore the growing acknowledgement that creativity is not a luxury but a necessity in preparing students for the challenges of the modern world.
Innovative Schools Making Creativity a Priority
Most education systems have progress yet to make, but pioneering schools offer illuminating examples of Robinson’s creativity-focused vision in action. These innovative havens prove that prioritizing arts, imagination, and creativity is achievable given the right conditions and values.
1. Project-Based Schools like Brightworks:
Brightworks, located in San Francisco, is a shining example of a school that prioritizes creativity and hands-on learning. It operates on the belief that children learn best by actively engaging with the world around them. At Brightworks, students embark on projects that span a wide range of subjects, from building treehouses to crafting kinetic sculptures. This approach allows students to apply their creativity to real-world challenges, fostering a deep sense of curiosity and innovation.
2. Arts-Integrated Schools within the Naviance Network:
Schools affiliated with the Naviance Network have embraced an arts-integrated approach to education. These institutions recognize the intrinsic connection between the arts and creativity. By integrating arts into core subjects like math and science, students not only gain a holistic understanding of concepts but also cultivate their creative thinking skills. This approach transforms education into a dynamic, multidisciplinary experience.
3. Montessori and Waldorf Schools:
Montessori and Waldorf schools have long been champions of creativity in education. They emphasize experiential learning, self-directed exploration, and a holistic view of education. Montessori schools, for example, provide students with the freedom to choose their activities and learn at their own pace, fostering a sense of independence and creativity. Waldorf schools incorporate arts, music, and movement into their curriculum, nurturing the imaginative capacities of students.
These schools share a common thread: they prioritize creativity as an essential element of their educational philosophy. They debunk stale notions that academic rigour and creative freedom are mutually exclusive. Instead, they reveal how creativity and academic excellence can powerfully intersect.
However, it's essential to recognize that these schools represent pockets of progress within the broader educational landscape. To make creativity in education more universally accessible, these innovative approaches must inspire systemic change. Their success stories should serve as catalysts for reform, influencing policies, and practices in traditional educational settings.
What is Edtech’s role in all of this?
Educational technology, often abbreviated as edtech, has emerged as a transformative force in education. Its influence extends far beyond the confines of traditional classrooms, providing educators and students with tools that empower creativity and redefine the learning experience. Here, we delve into the multifaceted role that edtech plays in fostering creativity:
Online Classes Provide Flexibility to Explore Passions:
One of the most significant contributions of edtech to education is the flexibility it offers. Online classes and virtual learning platforms enable students to explore their passions, whether in music, coding, or design, at their own pace and convenience. No longer bound by geographical constraints, learners can access specialized courses and resources from around the world.
Digital Creation Tools Spur Creative Expression:
Edtech has introduced an array of digital creation tools that encourage creative expression. From graphic design software to animation platforms, these tools enable students to bring their ideas to life digitally. The integration of 3D printing, robotics, and design software into education empowers students to engage in hands-on creativity. They can design and build prototypes, program robots, and experiment with innovative technologies. These tools promote a sense of agency and ownership over one's creative projects, fostering a deeper connection to the learning process.
Educational Games and Apps Make Learning More Engaging:
Interactive educational games and apps have redefined the way students engage with content. Gamified learning experiences capture students' attention and immerse them in creative problem-solving scenarios. These digital tools blur the line between play and learning, making education more enjoyable and effective.
However, it's essential to approach edtech with a discerning eye. These technological advancements hold immense promise, but they also present potential challenges. Concerns about screen time, data privacy, and the digital divide must be addressed responsibly.
Research suggests that excessive screen time can hinder creativity, as it may limit physical interaction and exploration. Additionally, the digital divide—unequal access to technology—raises equity issues, as not all students have equal opportunities to benefit from edtech resources.
Nonetheless, these challenges should not deter us from harnessing the potential of edtech to foster creativity. Instead, they should motivate us to bridge gaps in access, develop best practices for responsible edtech use, and ensure that creativity remains at the forefront of technological innovations in education.
In a nutshell
Since Robinson's influential talk over 15 years ago, the critical importance of creativity in education has become impossible to ignore as technology and society undergo rapid transformation. The flexible thinking and imagination Robinson championed are now widely recognized as essential skills.
Encouragingly, promising strides have been made, as advocacy has increased and pockets of innovation have emerged. However, as Robinson astutely observed, the endemic constriction of creativity in education cannot be remedied overnight. Most school systems still exhibit rigid conformity and prioritization of tested subjects that inhibit creative teaching and expression.
To achieve the creative school cultures Robinson envisioned, ongoing efforts by stakeholders at all levels are required - from policymakers instituting needed reforms, to administrators embracing imaginative approaches, to teachers constantly seeking new ways to engage young minds. The change will also require challenging engrained attitudes and recalibrating priorities to elevate creative skills alongside academic achievement.
The enduring relevance of Robinson's message serves as a clarion call to keep advocating, innovating, and collaborating to make creativity the norm. The promising progress underway has laid important groundwork. But to build the schools of the future, where creativity and academics harmonize, there is still much work to be done. However, if history is any indicator, creative thinking - Robinson's ultimate aim - will be instrumental in driving this progress.
Watch the TED talk and share your thoughts in the comment section.
"Creativity is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status." -Sir Ken Robinson