Reaching for the Star: A Model for Integrating Creativity in Education

Abstract

The education system is under duress. Key stakeholders constantly pressure educators to both improve test scores and prepare students for an uncertain future. Given these potentially competing demands, it is essential for creativity researchers to provide practical advice for teachers as to how they can build creativity into education. This means giving clear guidance on what educators need to know, what they need to do, and possibly how to do it. This chapter addresses these questions by exploring a Five-Point Star model that offers a path for integrating creative thinking into the curriculum. The first point of the star helps educators understand what creativity is, dispels the myths of creativity, and positions why it is more important now than ever. The second point enables educators to identify their creativity skills and develop their creative thinking abilities. The third point frames the physical and psychological climate for creativity in the classroom. Point four explores how to weave creative thinking skills into any content, by using the Torrance Incubation Model. Finally, point five discusses creativity and problem solving as a course within the curriculum.