The Importance of Creativity in The Classroom

 Creativity in the classroom is an important factor to keep in mind. In the past 10-15 years the curriculum across the the united states have been slowly increasing the use and development of creativity in the classrooms. Many educators are believing that creativity now belongs in the classrooms, that it is a necessary skill for students to develop to succeed in the working world. More and more teachers are adding creative based lessons in their plans to help students develop these skills. 

As an artist creativity is a big part of my practice. In my studies on becoming an educator, they're stressing the importance of students learning about creativity on multiple fronts. In psychology for example they showed most of the most of the successful people in the world have shown many creative traits. In my beliefs, the school systems have been crushing majority of the creativity students have. From my experience in the public education system as a student, many of the classes gave us assignments that made us think and work creatively. I believe this has impacted a good portion of my generation in the work world. This is a big reason I think more curriculums are stressing on teaching creative thinking. A big place where that happens is in the art classroom. 

We as art teachers have an important role to play with creativity in the classroom. It has been a big factor in the art curriculums. Giving the students choice. Having them think about their ides. And most of all, working out how to execute those ideas. I've always believed that an art teachers role isn't to teach, but to guide students.

Art Teacher Assisting a Student

Were here to help them and assist them to make it to their goals. Yes we teach technique and how to use different materials, but these are to tools we need to give to the students the tools to work on their projects and their ideas. With teaching students these skills it become almost an instinct for students to think creatively. While teaching them how to think creatively, without teaching them literally "how to be creative" students don't even realize they're doing it. This will not only help students develop amazing individual artwork, but help them create interesting essays, or intriguing business ideas. It will help students work on problem solving skills, and  discover creative solutions.