How do you define creativity?
Before you unlock creativity, you have to define it…
We define creativity using the Five Creative Habits of Mind. This model was developed by Bill Lucas, Guy Claxton and Ellen Spence at the Centre for Real-World Learning, University of Winchester (2013). These five habits, and their sub-habits, can be nurtured in both teachers and learners. Using the Creative Habits of Mind to define creativity creates a shared language between teachers, learners and creative professionals.
In a creative learning project, the Creative Habits of Mind can be used to allow learners to become more self-aware of when they are using their creative skills. They can also use them to seek more opportunities to be creative.
When planning activity in the classroom, teachers should look to create opportunities for learners to demonstrate their creativity in response to the creative habits. They should also create space for learners to reflect, self-assess and value their creativity.
A copy of the Creative Habits of Mind, and some guidance on how to use it, can be found in the resources section of this site.
What is creative learning?
Creative learning focuses on the teaching and learning process.
A creative learning environment draws together arts activity and creative processes to enhance the development of knowledge, understanding and skills across one or multiple areas of the curriculum.
In our programme, the skills of creative professionals and the subject expertise of classroom teachers are combined to explore the creation of engaging, authentic learning experiences that focus on learning processes over artistic, fixed end-products. Learning is co-constructed, a collaboration between teachers, creative professionals and learners in order to nurture creativity alongside developing skills and subject knowledge.
Learning is characterised by questioning and challenge, making connections, envisaging what might be, exploring ideas, keeping options open and reflecting critically on ideas, actions and outcomes.
Whilst it isn’t always possible to bring in creative expertise of creative professionals (our programme can support you to do this) there are some steps that teachers can take to embed creative learning approaches into their practice. Some of these steps can be found in our Teachers’ hub.