For many centuries the process of education remained without almost any change. Wise and experienced people shared their knowledge with the young. Collecting and preserving information, then passing it to the next generations, were the most critical tasks of schooling. The invention of the printing press brought real transformation to education for the first time in history. Spreading books, and thus knowledge, became easier. More and more people were gaining access to information.
Our age of the Internet and globalization changed everything. We are surrounded by information that loses relevancy very quickly. Every person trained to work with data can find the answer to almost any question. And tomorrow that answer will be different. Qualifications needed for a particular profession reshape constantly, and teachers do not have time to adjust. But that is not a problem anymore. Modern education is not about teaching what to think, but teaching how to think! The creative education approach is key to the successful future careers of students.
What are the qualities employers look for in the applicants? You will be surprised to know, but they are not only focused on hard skills — specific types of knowledge or experience needed for the job. They pay a lot of attention to soft, interpersonal skills, which can only be developed with creative education.
Let’s look at the list of qualities that can evolve in students who get enough room for creativity in class.
Creative Education and Qualities it Develops
1. Imagination and out-of-the-box thinking
Imagination is a powerful tool that can help you in any situation. It is an ability to produce new ideas, solve complex problems, and create innovative products. Imagination is vital for scientific inventions, successful commercial projects, excellent texts, and a myriad of other things.
But it all starts in the classroom where students are asked to use their imagination and forget about the limitations. But you also can buy thesis paper to get high-quality papers.
2. Critical thinking
The ability to think clearly and rationally, to fact-check, and form opinions are crucial in our era of information. Surrounded by various data, people often get lost in theories, news, and tendencies. A lot depends on the quality and accuracy of the decisions. A creative approach to education that invariably involves critical thinking helps students prepare for the challenging informational environment of the modern world.
3. Independence
Freedom to make decisions without being controlled or supervised describes a leader. Leaders are changemakers; they inspire and mentor others. Employers value leadership qualities. Often, people who take professional risks become successful and open new horizons for their companies — an achievement to be proud of. Creative classroom tasks and activities add to students’ ability to think and act independently and develop personal responsibility.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility enables students to adapt to new situations, and changes improvise, generate fresh ways to solve problems, shift strategies to meet different types of challenges, and be ready for the unexpected. When they are flexible, they are versatile, resilient, and respond to the dynamic professional environment. Adaptability is an essential trait for employees. This quality can and must be cultivated, as it is one of the most crucial focuses of creative education techniques.
Business, science, politics — every field needs critical thinkers, creative innovators, responsible leaders. Modern problems demand more than linear decisions. Innovative strategies are in high demand all over the planet. Not surprisingly, two of the world’s leading teaching and research institutions — Stanford and Harvard universities, have opened centers that increase multifaceted thinking.
Stanford d.school is a place for explorers and experimenters. Its slogan states that everyone has the capacity to be creative. The main goal of this school is to develop courses that will help people unlock their creative potential and apply it to their work. Real-world projects, 100% opt-in culture, and maximum collaboration are the pillars of Stanford d.school.
Harvard University i-lab is described as a creative and innovative ecosystem committed to helping you move your ideas further and faster. The founders of i-lab believe that no matter your profession — a salesperson, social media marketer, recruiter or a manager, first and foremost, you are a creator.
Our social and professional roles change rapidly, but the ability to think and act creatively is useful in every career path you choose. Lots of universities, colleges, and schools all over the world introduce more creative methods of schooling to their programs. Among them are the Center for Creativity and Entrepreneurship Education at the University of Kansas, the Institute for Creativity and Innovation at the Oklahoma State University, and the Center for Creative Inquiry at the Ball State University.
Think of a successful person. What skills and qualities must he or she posses? Perhaps, imagination, critical thinking, adaptability, and independent decision-making will be among the first which come to your mind. All of these can be trained and developed with a creative approach to studying. Luckily, more and more teachers are starting to realize what the modern world needs right now and how important creativity is for students.
