Contrary to the traditional teacher-driven method of learning where the students are passive learners, the creative learning methodology is a student-centred approach to learning where every student is engaged. The creative learning style encourages the students to solve problems when they are facing one and it can be used in any subject.
Instead of the students reiterating what was taught to them, the creative learning methodology provides them with skills to be able to identify a problem and generate creative ideas by exploring possible solutions for the problem. After many possible solutions are explored, ideas and information are organised and structured in a way so that unexpected connections are drawn.
Creative learning ensures every student has the opportunity to:
Understand – through reading and discussion
Reflect and recall – through creating a mind map
Analyse and synthesize – through summarising
Apply and evaluate – through question framing.
There are many types of learners (such as visual, auditory, linguistic, logical, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal) and they all respond differently to new information and new problems. The creative learning methodology supports their differentness as it would not ask for one standard approach to problem-solving, but it would encourage each of them to respond with their own problem-solving style.
Each student enrolled in creative learning experiences self-learning, peer learning and group learning and improves their communication and presentation skills. However, the core creative competencies essential to excel in the process of creative learning are:
Power in observation
Concentration
Memory
Thinking
Power of expression and communication
Imagination, and
Emotional control.
The most common activities used as tools in creative learning are:
Creating list of questions
Brainstorming
Mind mapping
Journal writing
Free writing
Role-playing games, and
Creating artwork.
The increased interest in creative learning in today’s society is due to the need of businesses and politics to have more critical thinkers able to solve complex problems. The current interconnected world will benefit from more people who can bring new ideas on how to solve pressing matters and creative learning is one of the ways to ensure such people thrive.