Creativity Dilemma
Given that creativity characteristics are appreciated, why is there so much bias against and resistance to incorporating, enhancing, championing, teaching and learning, and applying creativity in the real world, including in teacher education? Why is there “no room” for creativity (and innovation) in the preparation of teachers, based on the argument that there is no room in the teacher education curriculum due to the many state requirements for certification? Why are not parents crying out for creative pedagogies when research shows that creativity-enhanced learning results in more student engagement, better attendance, critical thinkers, and happy learners (Klawans, Aghayere, Katz-Buonincontro, & F. Reisman, 2015; Torrance, 1975a, 1975b, 1993; Reisman et al, 2002)? Today, we are in the midst of a global focus on creativity (IBM, 2010; Jeffrey, 2006; Kaufman & Sternberg, 2006; Piirto, 2011) with evidence that teaching to enhance student creativity produces active rather than passive learners, better problem solvers and communicators, and students more engaged in learning.
Why are the-powers-that-be stuck on teaching to the test and restricting state funding to standardized test results? Administrative bureaucracy, politics at the highest levels gone awry, the way it is always been done, lack of awareness of personal creative strengths and hidden student creativity, or just taking the easy way out – even if the easy way results in undereducated K–12 and beyond graduates?
Our future depends on changing this landscape. In fact, in a 2010 global study, IBM provides evidence for the importance of creativity:
According to a major 2010 IBM survey of more than 1,500 Chief Executive Officers from 60 countries and 33 industries worldwide, chief executives believe that – more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision – successfully navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity.(IBM, 2010, p. 1)
In-person interviews with senior leaders and consultants from IBM's Global Business Services division showed less than half of global CEOs believe their enterprises are adequately prepared to handle a highly volatile, increasingly complex business environment. CEOs are confronted with massive shifts – new government regulations, changes in global economic power centers, accelerated industry transformation, growing volumes of data, rapidly evolving customer preferences – that, according to the study, can be overcome by instilling “creativity” throughout an organization.