So, why is it difficult to support creativity? My guesses:
- Average: Almost all educational systems around the Globe are based on mean (average). To be a good student, you just need to score well or at least decently in every subject. There is not much space to pursue your interests. It is not rewarded! Amabile has stated "Evaluation kills creativity" and this idea process related comment may fit to schools as well? Why is there no score for self-actualisation or pursuing your interests?
- Missunderstanding art, music and athletics. According to Csikszentmihalyi " American public schools try to save costs by eliminating instruction in the arts, music, athletics, and all other areas that public considers nonessential. On the whole, however, trying to save by cutting opportunities for learning is one of the most benighted solutions a society can adopt". I guess the values in European schools are unfortunately similar?! See also my (naive?) Suzuki comment and creative class comment.
- Educational technology misuse: Why should we simulate everything? Why to communicate electronically, if we don't have skills to communicate face-to-face? How much emphasis is put on creativity support tools?
- Awareness: Do all teachers and educators recognise creativity? Especially future artists and scientists are difficult to recognise (and understand:-). One of the main differences between artistic and scientific creativity may be the importance of getting more deeply into affect states and thematic material in artistic creativity. Art is more often an introspective journey and science more of an externally focused one (see for example Russ 1993 and Gartner 1973).
(These thoughts have been written the ITK and other educational (technology) conferences in mind. Luovuustutkimuksen parissa toimivana oli pakko ottaa kantaa :-) Koska en pääsyt ITK:hon tänä vuonna mukaan, niin kommentoikaapa, missä esityksissä nämä asiat olivat eniten pinnalla! Kiitosta :-)
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