Creativity, in teaching, involves the transformation of an existing idea, strategy, or tool.
The transformation or change can be…
– Subtle or Obvious
– Unique or Only New to You and Your Students
– Highly Valuable or Simply Worthy of Being Done
There are 4 keys to being a creative teacher:
Know
See
Link
Act
Build on these four keys to add more creativity to your teaching…
– Know What You Teach: You have to know the breadth and depth of the subject matter you teach.
– See Opportunities and Problems: Look for opportunities and acknowledge problems.
– Link Knowledge to Opportunities or Problems: Use what you know to seize opportunities and solve problems.
– Take Action: Creativity begins as a mental process, but taking action will lead to new strategies and tools that will benefit you and your students.
Creativity takes many forms:
Teaching is an art – not an exact science.
There are degrees of creativity. You don’t have to create something that will add value to the world. It’s enough to create something that will be helpful to you or you and your students.
Creativity doesn’t come naturally to everyone and that’s okay.
There is no one right way to be creative.
Mistakes are okay.
Use mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.
Ask for help or suggestions – include your students in the process.
Creativity isn’t always quick and easy.
Creativity requires time, research, reflection, motivation, commitment, and action.
Practice does help make the creative process easier and faster.
Creativity is work, but it can also be fun.
Teach the 4 Keys to your students and help them be more creative.
Click for a complete guide on the 4 Keys to Being a Creative Teacher. You’ll learn more about each key and get examples to help you be more creative. The guide also has a valuable coupon code for hiring me as your personal creativity coach.
Book Your Hour of Creativity
You may need help with learning more about your content area, identifying opportunities, acknowledging problems, linking what you know to those opportunities and problems, or taking action. I can help. Click to learn more about hiring me as your personal Creativity Coach.