Creativity and Critical Thinking
Tips for Teachers
Teaching creativity and critical thought in the classroom can be challenging, especially in this age of globalization. Here are a few tips that may help teachers engage all of their students!
Critical Thinking
Get the Juices Flowing
Give basic questions to stimulate thought on a particular topic.
Start Low
Start with lower level questions and then work your way up to the tough stuff. Then, when the time comes make sure you ask questions that will stimulate higher level thinking, like "why?".
Think
Allow students time to think about a higher level question before they actually do any talking or writing.
Talk It Over
Allow students to discuss without any prompting or aiding for a little while. Let the conversation flow and allow students to feed off of one another.
Share
Allow student groups to share with one another.
Creativity
Use the Senses
Research shows that students learn more effectively when they engage more than one of the five senses. Encourage them to draw and write or write and create a soundtrack, for example.
Use the "C" Word
Sometimes students don't know it's okay to be creative, especially if you start out discussing higher level critical thinking. Be intentional about saying you'd appreciate creativity in this assignment.
Let it Grow
Allow the creativity of students to come to fruition in an organic way. Students will gravitate to specific roles that interest them and for which they have an affinity. Allow that to happen naturally.
Be Supportive and Excited!
Whatever creativity the students show encourage them to continue on that path, and make sure the group sees the value in different types of creativity as well. Our excitement helps students feel excited.
Teach New Methods
Familiarize students with new methods of expressing themselves (apps and online platforms such as this one) they may not be aware of. They don't know what's out there until they explore.