Using Creativity in Education

As the recognised fastest growing industry world wide, the creative industries evidently have a lot to offer.

When creativity is implemented in Education the possibilities are limitless...

Creativity as a whole is about making something out of nothing, whether it's a new surface pattern or graphic design, a brand new product, new service or Business, the ability to create something out of nothing has to be recognised and applauded.

The skills acquired as a creative person are varied but also applicable to every day day life;

1. In any sewing project you will need;

   1. Language skills,

   2. Maths,

   3. Hand eye co-ordination,

   4. Dexterity, technology skills,

   5. Complex problem solving skills,

   6. Artistic licence

   7. Perseverance.

Students who are only taught sitting behind a desk in a classroom while a tutor dictates information is so limiting, the desk itself is a barrier to any meaningful interaction with the tutor or fellow students.

Introducing more creativity in the classroom allows students to experiment and find a path which the find enjoyable, creativity is everything listed above and more.

1. It's History while studying fashion, photography and design...

2. It's science when using different mediums in fashion, photography, art,

   1. dyes, chemicals for treating fabrics, paints etc

3. It's Geography while pursuing Photography, art, textile design...

4. It's IT in CAD which is used in Graphic Art, Fashion Design, Architecture, Graphic Design, Design Engineering...

Research is essential in finding out what is out there, where changes are needed in education to allow more creative teaching, having worked in education I know it can be a more expensive way to teach as materials are costly but not all materials or resources are costly and the results will speak for themselves, attainment will be increased and overall exam results in these areas would go up.

Intelligence is often measured in term of academia but, bearing in mind Designers, Artists and creatives in general develop ideas from nothing I question where the intelligence lies.

Is it in the ability to repeat what has already been written and researched but communicated in ones own words or is having the creative mindset that can conjure up completely new, innovative ideas and concepts from nothing. I know what my take on this is.

Obviously I'm biased as an Artist Photographer and Designer but those skills in the past were not taken seriously, remember my parents asking me when I was going to get a 'proper' job? or why don't you just do that as a hobby?

Thank fully I have a mind of my own and did what I wanted to do, I know they weren't just being negative, they were worried that I would be able to make a living out of it, I can confirm that you can indeed make a good living from it.

There's such a long way to go with getting more creativity in the classroom and more research needs to be done to prove the benefits but I know from the limited research I have done that there is evidence to show it is beneficial to all students regardless of their learning style or needs.

Karen