Introduction
Creativity is an essential skill in today's rapidly changing world. The ability to think creatively is crucial for solving complex problems, such as those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As educators and practitioners, fostering creativity in students is paramount. The research article "First Inspire, Then Instruct to Improve Students’ Creativity" by Rahimi and Shute (2021) provides valuable insights into enhancing creativity through a combination of inspirational and instructional supports.
Research Insights
The study explored the effectiveness of a creativity-support system developed within the level editor of an educational game called Physics Playground. The researchers aimed to improve college students' creativity by assigning them to one of four conditions: Inspirational, Instructional, Both, and No Support. The major finding was that the "Both" condition, which combined inspirational and instructional supports, was significantly more effective in enhancing students' creativity than any other condition.
Practical Implications
For practitioners looking to enhance creativity in educational settings, this research suggests several strategies:
- Inspiration First: Begin by inspiring students. Use examples, brainstorming sessions, and analogical reasoning to stimulate creative thinking.
- Structured Instruction: Follow inspiration with structured guidance. Provide clear instructions and frameworks, such as SCAMPER, to help students organize their creative processes.
- Combine Supports: The combination of inspiration and instruction is more effective than either approach alone. This dual approach can enhance both the quantity and quality of creative outputs.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides a strong foundation, further research is encouraged to explore the application of these findings in different educational contexts and age groups. Practitioners should consider experimenting with various combinations of inspirational and instructional supports to tailor approaches to specific student needs.
Conclusion
Creativity is a vital skill that can be nurtured through thoughtful educational practices. By first inspiring students and then providing structured instruction, educators can significantly enhance students' creative abilities. As we continue to face global challenges, fostering creativity in education will be crucial for developing innovative solutions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: First inspire, then instruct to improve students’ creativity.
