Many associate creativity with artistic expression, but in reality it is much more. We can and must be creative in all other areas of life as well. Are creatives born or made? And, in the latter case, can it be taught?
Last update: February 11, 2020
When we think of the word “creativity”, we tend to imagine the spontaneous inspiration of an artist while creating an extraordinary work. This ability, however, is inherent in all human beings. While on some occasions it arises naturally and spontaneously, it can also be the result of a structured process. Therefore the answer to the original question is yes, creativity can be taught.
The concept of creativity, as we know it, was introduced by Guilford more than half a century ago and still retains its definition today. According to the US psychologist, creativity refers to the ability to create something new and valid.
This idea is applicable to any expression of the human being. One can, therefore, be creative in the artistic sense, in solving a problem, in formulating a theory, etc.
Is creativity innate or acquired?
Few question the fact that creativity is, to a greater or lesser extent, intrinsic to the human being.
However, many authors think that, regardless of starting level or genetics, opportunities to be original, flexible or sensitive also matter; all important conditions. This ability, therefore, is sensitive to experience and is motivated or reinforced by the challenges we face along the way.
Other authors, on the other hand, defend the concept that all children are born creatives. It is known that during childhood, between the ages of 3 and 5, we go through the typical phase of questions and divergent thinking. It is a time of intense creativity that, with an appropriate environment and reinforcement, can stabilize throughout life. In other words, creativity is a baggage that is received at birth, the problem is that it is lost over the years.
In any case, and even if it is a complicated process, creativity can be taught and trained. On the other hand, anything that can be learned can also be taught. To do this, it is essential to develop the creative attitude (imagination, curiosity, critical sense); furthermore, self-confidence, proactivity, tolerance to frustration and perseverance in pursuing the goal are needed.
“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on. "
-Albert Einstein-
Creativity can be taught, but how?
According to experts, creativity can be taught, but some aspects need to be taken into account. Must:
- Starting from the interests of the subject, keeping in mind his abilities;
- Constantly stimulate the imagination and curiosity;
- Encourage the use of different materials, ideas and methods;
- Help the pupil a explore, research, experiment. In other words, always facing new challenges, discovering needs and strategies;
- Stimulate self-criticism and self-evaluation, skills that allow the student to understand if the result is useful and valid;
- Promote the acquisition of specific and useful knowledge for the creative process;
- Emphasize that creativity is determined by motivation and commitment;
- Train basic skills such as language, problem solving, goal orientation;
- Stimulate the confidence, the freedom of expression of one's ideas;
- And naturally, allow the start of the creative process, in a balance between freedom and structure.
What prevents us from being creative?
While the guidelines listed above help stimulate creativity, other factors can, on the contrary, hinder it.
- First, individual experience may have taught or reinforced patterns for which other ways of operating or expressing themselves are invalid. Convergent thinking has only one way of doing things. In this sense, it is important to encourage the student to follow more creative paths as an added value to obtaining the result.
- Currently extrinsic motivation is the most sought after and strengthened as it helps to adjust to closed and stable parameters. An example of this is getting a good grade or getting compliments from the boss. To nurture creativity and imagination, however, it is necessary to follow new paths and alternatives. It will therefore be essential to find intrinsic motivation in the student and stimulate it.
- Finally, it is necessary to take into account the human need to identify with the peer group; this leads us to develop behaviors in line with those of others. To stimulate creativity, therefore, we must start from an education that encourages autonomy and allows us to develop personal and unique traits.
