Reimagining Creative Thinking
A Perspective…
Is it possible to develop creative thinking skills? Can we be creative or become creative?
Imagine a classroom where every student’s unique spark is nurtured, where the journey of creativity begins with a simple dot on a page. This is the world Peter H. Reynolds invites us into with his inspiring book, The Dot , a vision we can bring to life in our digital-age classrooms. Just as Vashti discovered her artistic potential through a single dot, we can empower our students to unleash their creative thinking across all subjects.
Creative thinking is more than just a skill — it is an attitude that empowers students to approach problems with an open mind, to imagine, to look for possibilities, to think out of the box, to choose, to evaluate, to be flexible…
The digital era presents unprecedented opportunities for fostering creativity, but it also challenges us to rethink our approach to teaching-learning. We must create environment where students feel safe to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely. Like Vashti’s teacher, who framed and displayed her initial dot, we need to celebrate every attempt at creativity, no matter how small or “ish” it may seem.
Reynolds another book “ish” reminds us that perfection is not the goal of creative thinking. Instead, we should encourage our students to embrace a mind-set of “ish-ness” — the idea that their creations and ideas don’t have to be flawless to be valuable. This approach is particularly crucial in subjects like mathematics or science, where students often fear making mistakes. By using digital tools like virtual lab simulations or data visualization software, we can create a playground for “math-ish” or “science-ish” explorations, where the process of discovery is just as important as the final result.
Every small effort student make contributes to a bigger picture of their growth and potential. Encouraging this kind of thinking prepares students for the workplace, enhances their problem-solving abilities and adds meaning and relevance to learning. It cultivates critical thinking skills, and boosts self-expression, allowing students to share their unique ideas/perspectives with confidence.
Sir Ken Robinson emphasizes that creativity is as crucial in education as literacy, advocating for an educational approach that prioritizes creative skills. Dr. Robert Sternberg reminds us that creativity flourishes when students engage in problem-finding, not just problem-solving. This aligns perfectly with Reynolds’ themes, where every creative endeavour begins with a spark of curiosity.
In language arts, we can take inspiration from Ramon in “Ish,” who found his creative voice through unconventional poetry. By using collaborative digital platforms, students can engage in group storytelling or poetry writing, building on each other’s ideas and embracing the beauty of “story-ish” or “poem-ish” creations. This not only enhances their writing skills but also fosters a sense of community and shared creativity.
Furthermore the digital world offers a vast canvas for creative expression, much like the endless possibilities of the sky in “sky colour”. When Marisol faces the challenge of painting the sky without blue paint, she opens her mind to new possibilities. Similarly, we must encourage our students to look beyond conventional tools, and methods. In art classes, this might mean exploring digital art platforms to create virtual galleries. In music, students could use online composition tools to collaborate on pieces that push the boundaries of traditional melodies.
Research and studies have shown that integrating technology as a tool for production, rather than mere consumption, can significantly enhance creative thinking. By providing students with digital platforms to express their ideas, we’re not just teaching them to use technology — we are empowering them to become creators and innovators in their own right.
As facilitators, teachers should provide the initial encouragement to spark a journey of self-discovery and nurture the creative spirit in each student. This means creating a classroom environment where questions are encouraged, curiosity is rewarded, and “thinking outside the box” is not just allowed but celebrated.
Teachers must start with open-ended questions that invite diverse responses. Encouraging brainstorming sessions where all ideas are welcomed can create a safe space for expression. Tools like MindMeister for mind mapping can help visualize connections, facilitating deeper understanding.
Moreover, teaching students to embrace failure as a vital part of the creative process can transform their approach to challenges. Regular feedback and reflection opportunities will refine their creative skills and bolster their confidence.
As we foster creative thinking in the digital era, let’s encourage our students to make their mark, embrace the “ish-ness” of their creations, and see the world in all its vibrant, unexpected colours. By doing so, we not only just teaching subjects — we are nurturing the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries of tomorrow…
In this teaching learning journey, every dot counts, every “ish” matters, and the sky is not the limit — it’s just the beginning of what our students can achieve when we unleash their creative potential in the digital age.
Gayethri Mote is a Teacher Educator and an expert on Learning Skills at Coschool. To learn more, visit www.coschool.ai
