Center for Creative Thinking: Fostering creativity in education

Fostering creativity in education

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For centuries, the traditional education system has remained largely unchanged. The teacher stands at the front of the class, posing questions, while students raise their hands to guess at a predetermined answer. There’s one right answer, and the teacher holds it. This approach, however, no longer aligns with the rapidly evolving world we live in today, where multiple answers, original ideas and novel thinking is in demand.

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In the modern landscape, jobs and careers are continuously evolving, requiring a different set of skills than those taught in the past. According to the World Economic Forum, the children of today are expected to not only change jobs multiple times but also switch careers, with 65% working in roles that do not yet exist. The dynamic nature of industries, characterized by complexity and unpredictability, demands a shift in our approach to education.

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The World Economic Forum highlights problem-solving skills as crucial for the workforce of tomorrow. As we prepare our children for this future, it is essential to equip them with the skills needed to thrive in this ever-changing environment and to prepare them for roles we cannot yet imagine ourselves.

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Creativity is a vital life skill. In a world of multiple truths, where adaptability and innovation are paramount, creativity empowers the individual to tackle complex challenges, navigate technological advancements, collaborate effectively, and drive positive change. It is a fundamental competency to thrive in modern and future eras.

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The Center for Creative Thinking is dedicated to integrating creative thinking into all levels of education. By promoting research-based creativity, the center aims to ignite a passion for learning and problem-solving through innovative approaches.

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Through curriculum design, educational materials, thinking tools, creativity games, teacher training programs, and courses for educators and school management, the Center for Creative Thinking is at the forefront of fostering creative learning environments. The center collaborates with schools to demonstrate the transformative impact of creativity training.

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One example of this is a successful partnership with a Danish primary school, where “Creativity” became part of the curriculum for all students from year 0 to 9, with its own dedicated timeslot on the weekly timetable - two hours a week, every week. Through teacher training, the teachers were not only equipped with the tools to teach creative thinking and problem-solving skills in their own right, but also how to integrate these new skills into all subjects from math and history to writing and innovation.

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What began as a trial period soon became the new norm, leading to improved well-being, reduced numbers of sick days, enhanced skills, and positive academic outcomes. Students developed the ability to think creatively, generate new ideas, and approach challenges with confidence. Teachers observed increased collaboration, diverse thinking, and a culture that embraced experimentation and learning from mistakes.

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Creativity not only drives innovation but also fosters collaboration, enhances teamwork, and empowers individuals to share ideas and expertise openly. By nurturing creativity in education, a pathway is created for students to thrive in a world that needs adaptability, creative thinking, and imaginative problem-solving.