In my school, Commonwealth Charter Academy, the curriculum is already established through our LMS, known as Connexus, and the lessons are already written and set in place; students work at their own pace, and they have the option to come to class for assistance. While it may appear that this setup has some great perks, a huge drawback is in fact the strict layout of a pre-structured lesson. Trying to teach everything in those lessons and still find the time to allow students to be creative during instruction has become one of my biggest challenges.
Do schools kill creativity?
I don't think schools intentionally seek to dismiss educators and learners alike, the ability to be creative and innovative in their learning space; so far every school I worked in or observed supported the idea of students being creative within their school's philosophy. However, I would be lying if I said I have not noticed this drift from "student exploration" with the arts, their speech/perspectives, and clubs/organizations across multiples districts. Allowing students to be creative is a great outlet for them when they face the pressure of being successful in school. Ken Robinson (2007) in his presentation on "Do Schools Kill Creativity," talks about the "academic inflation" our educational system runs on, and how "the whole structure of education is shifting beneath our feet." It's very true! Schools have to go back to the drawing board and assess for themselves the idea behind intelligence, success, and ways
to promote our student's uniqueness.
How can you use digital media to bring creativity alive in your classroom?
Digital Storytelling has been the greatest way for me to bring creativity to my classroom. This year, I will attempt to assign a project allowing students to create their own digital stories using Windows Live Movie Maker, iMovie, or another software that supports this digital media. Students love to share their personal stories, and I think this assignment will be the perfect opportunity to show me their creative nature along with skills they've learned during the semester.
References:
Julia. (2016). "Choose creativity" [Photograph]. Received from http://www.youmatter.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/choose-creativity/
Reider, C. (2015)."What's the new wave of digital storytelling in sports?" [Photograph]. Received from http://www.nrmedia.biz/blog/whats-new-wave-digital-storytelling-sports
Robinson, K. (2007). "Do schools kill creativity" [Transcript]. Received from https://live.wilkes.edu/content/enforced/216352-20372.201620/1132015%20146%20PM%20-%20189340-DiscoveryTranscripts/508%20Unit%204%20TED%20Conference%20with%20Ken%20Robinson.html?ou=216352
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