Creative Thinking in the Classroom

Schools generally undervalue creativity. Perhaps teachers think creativity is no different from general intelligence or that schooling cannot or should not value creativity, or perhaps they do not know how to teach for creativity. This essay first argues that creativity is different from general intelligence; second, that teaching in a way that encourages and rewards creativity can improve school performance; and third, that children can learn to make certain kinds of decisions that will enhance their creativity. Creativity can be of different kinds and it is important that teachers reward all kinds of creativity.