What if
educational institutions are failing children? What should be the possible
solution to the following two options?
- High learning standards, severe
competition or strict assessment
- Redefinition of learning processes
based on higher human capabilities including innovativeness, creativeness and
comprehensiveness
Sir Ken Robinson
in his famous book “Creative Schools: Revolutionizing Schools from the Ground
Up” has highlighted the importance of creativity in order to unleash human
potential.
The renowned
think-tank Martin Prosperity Institute (MPI) has taken an integrated approach
to understanding factors responsible for prosperity. It is concluded that creativity is an
important factor to be measured for success beyond traditional estimations of
economic progress.
The British schools operating in Dubai endorse the stance by stating that development, progress and prosperity
is an outcome of the creative potential of people. Further, every kid starts
their formal learning from schools where their personalities are shaped and
polished to be progressive citizens.
No doubt, the
teacher is solely responsible for fostering creativity and innovation within
the classroom. It is a test of strong nerves because creativity promotion
requires a proactive approach.
Teachers usually
come up with a valid argument that fulfilling the aspirations of parents along
with meeting curriculum requirements is not easy. Therefore, they are unable to
come up with creative activities.
They are true to
some extent, but it is imperative to understand that learning and creativity go
hands in gloves. The given ideas will
help you to foster creative activities into the classroom:
Do Effort to Reflection and
Visualization
The use of
reflective aviates help the students to learn quickly. It owes to the fact that
reflections are easy to absorb than other forms of information.
Therefore,
teachers should try to include reflective learning within the class. Charts,
graphics, quick notes, signage and so many other things can be used to improve
creativity and learning together.
Place board of
quick thought and ask the students to use sticky notes. They can exhibit their
thought on a daily basis.
It is right to
quote Benjamin Franklin here:
“Tell me, and I forget, teach me, and I may
remember, involve me, and I learn.”
You may have got
the fair idea that how to improve learning by integrating creative activities.
Practical exposure towards learning problems is helpful in boosting excitement
among the pupils.
No doubt, British
literacy curriculum in Dubai is a premier in holding creative minds and shapes
them for better future. The educational programs of the school are designed to
nurture high qualities of personality among the pupils.
It is evident from
the fact that smart minds are produced in such schools by imparting practical
knowledge and skills.
Flexibility is a must
for smart work. The prime responsibility
of teachers is to promote flexibility within the classrooms. This can be done
by making groups discussions, presentation activities, Q&A sessions and
many more.
It not only helps
to promote creativity but also encourages students to accommodate knowledge for
better future. Proper learning setups are designed to give freedom to the
students for experimentation, exploration and assimilation of information.
Traditional
methods of learning are becoming ineffective owing to technological
advancement. The fact is that educational institutions should realize the need
for unconventional learning methods.
The introduction
of unconventional teaching techniques will help to promote innovation among the
students. Not only this, it inspires the students to take an active part in the
learning process.
Further, podcasts
and lesson planning is necessary to keep students deeply involved and attentive
towards education.
Educational
institutions are shifting from traditional to modern. Therefore, more attention
is paid to discover human potentials related to innovative thinking, creative
abilities and analytical skills.
However, it has
been observed that schools are sponsoring mere education lacking innovative
skills. The accusation has triggered a sense of realization among the students.
It is the reason that educational psychologists and academic experts are
working together to improve creative abilities among the students within the
school.
Nevertheless, British schools in Dubai
are an exception from such accusations because the school systems are already
encouraging critical thinking and innovative reasoning.
