#21stedchat Archive
Our mission for our 21st century chat is to create a positive 21st century learning environment for our students by sharing resources and ideas that has worked in our classrooms. Join us every Sunday from 8:00-9:00 PM (EST) on Twitter using the hashtag #21stedchat. All are welcome!
Sunday September 18, 2016
Welcome to tonight’s topic: Fostering Creativity w/ & I. We will do Q and A format. PLS introduce yourself.
Hi all! Lee from Salinas, CA. Program manager for math and tech grant. Watching my Fantasy Football and chatting with you all!
Preservice secondary math teacher from Elon University in NC!
Hi everyone! I am Jill from NC, Director Personalized Learning and co-host.
Less than an hour away from with tonight.
Join us:
Hi!! Carrie from Virginia. Business and Information Technology teacher joining my first Twitter Chat.
Eric from PA jumping on while on duty in the Deans' Office.
Bill from NC. HS and tr. Not watching Big Brother.
Q1a. How do you define creativity?
not on tonight. Final is Wednesday
Hi my name is Shanita Carter and I currently teach in Charlotte North Carolina
A1: Creativity is divergent thinking and not thinking about a problem in just one way
A1 you know it when you see it
A2: Creativity is thinking not doing what's always been done.
A1: Creativity is not doing what's always been done.
A1a: Creativity is making stuff that is novel, original, not seen before. It is an inherent human trait and can be strengthened.
I also think you can feel it
A1 can take many forms. Defining puts up walls in what can be creative.
A1 Creativity is doing something different from the norm or personalized to the creator.
A1
I would define creativity as thinking outside the box. Also, not doing the norm & stepping outside of ur comfort zone.
can be both. Use any of the senses
Hi all, I'm Elayne, elementary Media in South Florida.
Rt of Q1a. How do you define creativity?
Joining in late. Adam from VA. K-12 principal
Q1b. How do you foster creativity in the classroom/school? What are strategies for improving creativity?
Creativity is also taking what you know and expanding upon it in unique ways.
A2 Create a classroom that recognizes creativity.
A1b use open ended prompts. I like to AR for a quick creative warm-up
A1b: Offering choice in how Ss demonstrate knowledge fosters creativity.
A1b - Presenting problems w/ multiple ways to solve and allowing students to derive ways to solve rather than present a formula
A2. Design a bulletin board to showcase different ways Ss solve a problem, or creative solutions to a real world scenario.
A1b: Ditch rubrics, deemphasize grades, craft open-ended assignments, focus on process (not product).
A1b. As P, demonstrating creativity through daily actions
A1b Not defining the parameters with a specifics, but allowing ss to choose how they want to express learning.
A1b: Also, praising creativity creates a culture of creativity.
Melissa from Katy adding in late for a brief spell.
Love this idea!!!! https://t.co/x36oc5dYCe
A2. Design a bulletin board to showcase different ways Ss solve a problem, or creative solutions to a real world scenario.
A1b Allow students to come up with ideas & foster a culture of creativity by modeling it.
Rt of Q1b. How do you foster creativity in the classroom/school? What are strategies for improving creativity?
Hi everyone, I'm a little late to the party!
A1b Foster creativity in your ss, by letting some of the control go.
A2 Design classroom spaces for exploration such as a thinking table, a drama stage, a drawing table etc, makerspace
A1b. Allow students to demonstrate knowledge with project-based assessments.
I thought we were on Q1b?
A1 A T that designs student centered flexible authentic inquiry engaging lessons based on relevance & interest
A1b Creativity is fostered when Ss are not afraid to fail. When they know failure helps them move forward, they try new things.
A1 Allow students to implement their own ideas and be creative. Let them in on decision making
A1b A makerspace, genius hour, wonder wall, interactive science wall, choice of demo of knowledge https://t.co/JLnH9xWCGx
Q1b. How do you foster creativity in the classroom/school? What are strategies for improving creativity?
A2 Distance ed and online learning platforms have unique features that can function as spaces for exploration.
I intentionally teach growth mindset for just this reason.
Hi Julie from Chattanooga, TN jumping in!
A1b Allow failure, reward perseverance.
A1b: Love the work of Carol Dweck and Jo Boaler!
Great ideas from Collidingwithscience https://t.co/0Szoljzzja
A1b A makerspace, genius hour, wonder wall, interactive science wall, choice of demo of knowledge https://t.co/JLnH9xWCGx
Q1b. How do you foster creativity in the classroom/school? What are strategies for improving creativity?
A1/a It is using what is provided to design new things. See outside the box see unique way of learning https://t.co/Ym2u0Cr9n9
Q1a. How do you define creativity?
A1 creativity is ability to explain something in an outside the norm way- not the standard paper/pencil https://t.co/OONIPjD4uQ
Rt of Q1a. How do you define creativity?
Hi! Michael from Schenectady, NY here - sorry Im late!
Yes. Let students take the lead. Choice is key.
Q3. How do you measure creativity?
A1 Trying Genius hour/Passion projects this yr My Ss were stoked on Friday when I introduced it!
A1b modeling diff ways to show information, allow Ss to use talents/gifts/strengths to share learning https://t.co/HdlL8eRYFJ
Q1b. How do you foster creativity in the classroom/school? What are strategies for improving creativity?
A1a Creativity is allowing your mind to flow free and not be afraid to implement your ideas to do something differently.
A3 Can't measure that, like beauty
A3: That's an excellent question. Creativity can be difficult to quantify.
A3 rubrics allow for quantitative measurement but process of creativity is soft skill harder to measure https://t.co/qbH7MMUJj2
Q3. How do you measure creativity?
A3: It's a mistake to try to quantify creativity. Who is qualified to grade what they've never seen before?
A3 Problem solving skills. How well Ss handle a challenge. Finding multiple paths to find solutions. https://t.co/roP48UytYx
Q3. How do you measure creativity?
A3: I have to answer that with a question...can a rubric really capture authentic creativity?
A3: Problem solving without a formula (not the kind seen in math today) is creativity bc they must reason through the info
A3 Creativity is seen when a kids lights up with enthusiasm for what they did. Creative Ss will gladly, excitedly share idea
A3 more a qualitative response. Through their descriptions
no but I think a rubric can lead a student to understand creativity better, especially if it's not their nature
A3 creativity is individual & hard to quantify. However many try using tools to demo outside of box thinking
Rt of Q3. How do you measure creativity?
A3 I don't, because I don't want to stifle SS creativity. I use questioning to help ss. If so I would use ss work before + after
A3 Creativity is unique to each individual. As long as they pose their own version, that is creative. Yes - hard to measure
A3 -I always wonder how some of the most creative people in history would have functioned if they were constantly beimg measured
Yes what art is beauty to one may not be for another.
A3: I would argue that a rubric is the antithesis of creativity. Its a box I want Ss to think outside of.
Creativity is being able to find a solution to a problem that seems to have no answer
A3b I think it's important to value the path to creativity and be involved enough in the process to know how to assess it
A3 I witness it when I give choice and end up with 30 different models, drawings, stories. Every S is creative when given choice
They wouldn't - they would be stifled, like kids today with all the over testing.
A3
I would measure creativity as some1 going above & beyond the standard rubric.
Can you grade DaVinci's or Van Gogh's work? Mozart's? Frank Lloyd Wright's? https://t.co/4Ryo4uwqFK
A3: I have to answer that with a question...can a rubric really capture authentic creativity?
cardboard is a fun building tool, very versatile
Current college students have been trained to stick to satisfying the rubric. Would like to see paradigm change.
Q3 What are the biggest barriers to creativity in classrooms/schools?
sure, they get an A,it's the middle ground, creativity that is not clearly abstract genius- that's hard
Q4. What are the biggest barriers to creativity in classrooms/schools?
I think showcasing is a good measure of creativity. Did you create something that you are proud of? Does your work inspire?
A4 That is a loaded question
A4: Admin and Ts who are afraid to take a chance of not doing what has always been done.
A4 Too many state tests...
A4 - Biggest obstacle? The phrase, "In the past, we've always done it this way..."
A4: Biggest barriers to creativity: college admissions game, standardized testing, overworked faculty.
A4. Time contraints and standardized testing are tremendous barriers to creativity.
A4 Standardized testing. We must provide as much stu choice as possible https://t.co/tq6ljdki9j
Q4. What are the biggest barriers to creativity in classrooms/schools?
A4: Time is our biggest adversary, and creativity takes time.
A4 getting teacher to build activities that are open to creativity
A4. I see teachers as a barrier bc they don't get out of the students way. They hinder but they think they are helping
A4 saying no, nothing stifles creativity like getting shut down
When I started Geniushour, some kids didn't know what to do. There was too many possibilities... now, our limitation is supplies
A4: Math curriculum that encourages one solution
Head slap! https://t.co/vG59JdXRUK
A4 - Biggest obstacle? The phrase, "In the past, we've always done it this way..."
Thus killing the opportunity to be creative
A4. Not asking enough questions
So true! Choice is a foreign concept to some!
A4: Boards implement school-level-changes based on standardized test results. Make change to foster Ss engagement.
A4 Ts not feeling safe to take risks. Ts need to feel safe to be innov & design lesson for Ss creativity https://t.co/tq6ljdki9j
Q4. What are the biggest barriers to creativity in classrooms/schools?
Q4. What are the biggest barriers to creativity in classrooms/schools?
1 issue is not having time 2 allow creativity. With pacing guides & deadlines we r expected 2 meet it limits creativity
A4 One that hasn't been said yet, student pushback. I have some ss that say "Can I just do it the easy way..." SS need modeling
sometimes the older way is actually best (not often) people who change things that work are also an obstacle
A4 helping Ts realize testing isn't the only way for Ss to share learning & they shouldn't fear the time creativity takes
I have a student a great essay-writer, but when asked to draw a picture or write a song. Didn't know what to do!
Ts need to let go of reigns & let stu be center stage for Ts are merely set designers & script writers Ss actors
I didn't experience that, but I started younger, 3rd grade. Ss loved the chance to be creative!
A4 At some schools, admin is a barrier to creativity.Lucky to be at a school where both Ss and Ts are encouraged to be creative!
I have also found this to be a problem with student taking the easy way.
A4 a lack of oddly shaped knit hats
I have HS ss and some are not used taking risks and really thinking deeply about what they are learning. Sad really.
Very sad. At that age they want to fit in, not stick out.
And learned helplessness these days. So sad, they want it done for them. I constantly hear "I can't"
true, I just mean that people who change just to change can give making change a bad name
Please fight through the learned helplessness! I know its a struggle, but don't give in!
Not letting students discover their own answers to those questions. Need to let them problem solve
Q5. How do you foster creativity for yourself? How do you model creativity?
There heart must be in it, they need to be fully invested and excited about the change done
Agreed! Not give then the answer because there isn't 'time'.
Never give in. Inspire kids to realize they CAN do it. Let them do and stumble, then get up and do better
A4 lack of time is a frequent reason given when asked why the creative activities are out aside
A5 Trying new things, not being afraid. Always seeking to learn more.
a5 letting Ss into your creative process by trying stuff you never tried and talking through FAIL and retry. let them see
a5/a Growth mindset I never stop learning or writing or blogging or drawing. Learn new techniques daily. https://t.co/PRBo9lcLYc
Q5. How do you foster creativity for yourself? How do you model creativity?
A5: Never stop learning, never stop innovating.
A5. I try something new or out of my comfort zone
A5 - do the research. Learn from failure!
Got that from at this weekend!
Rt of Q5. How do you foster creativity for yourself? How do you model creativity?
Give praise to the student who says, "I don't know, still figuring it out."
A5: Got to be authentic. My writing is on my blog so my Eng. Ss can see it. Post about chatbot I built: https://t.co/KSOYT6HEtY
A5 Ss are guided in making choices and gradually make more and more. Some need more or less guidance but most catch on
A5/b I use genius hour I talk about & work on my passions too. I share my interests w/Ss https://t.co/PRBo9lcLYc
Q5. How do you foster creativity for yourself? How do you model creativity?
A5 Yes, try new things and let your students see you learn and experiment. Model failure and continued effort to reach success
A5 I read the book of think when I have a creativity block
A5 Sketchnotes, drawing, trying new things, reading
A5 By showing ur students ur thought process. Be random, so they can see how u conquer a task. Have them give u an assignment!
A5 I model creativity by making and coding and reading along with Ss. We learn, fail, and improve together.
I try to inspire my Ss to pursue their interests & passions too. To always keep growthmindset & discover new ideas
A5. I model using a design thinking process and incorporate design thinking challenges
Taking risks is key. I share w/ my Ss how I do this. I encourage them to as well in the class. Ok to fail mentality
Absolutely! Thats how we learned when we were learning to tie shoes, ride bikes - why did we stop?
Q6. How do you build a culture of creativity in a school for both students and teachers?
even so, changing something effective just to change it won't convince people anything have a purpose
Yes. The "yet" mentality. I haven't completed or figured it out yet! But I will.
A6: I think you have to live it yourself, model it, lead it, provide opportunities to dive into creative thinking.
I reflect a lot & ask my students for feedback on lessons so I can make them better.
Of course there has to be a purpose!
A6: Really hard. Hire carefully. Support creative Ts when they are threatened by ordinary thinkers.
That is so powerful. It gives Ss ownership in their education.
I try new things & tell stories about it: motzerlla cheese from scratch, knit misshapen socks, try to write a kids book...
A6 show people the value, back up your words, build relationships so people develop trust- think big, start small
Relationship is EV.ER.Y.THING!
A6 By sharing in the learning process. Learn with your students, ask them questions, allow them to help you as well.
A6 toys and open ended tools in activities
A6 Safety to take risks, encour Ss & Ts to think outsidebox & feel ok to fail & retry b/c that is growth https://t.co/J01HVU0JOC
Q6. How do you build a culture of creativity in a school for both students and teachers?
We are 10 minutes away from the start of tonight!
Join us:
Rt of Q6. How do you build a culture of creativity in a school for both students and teachers?
A6 - Administrators that say, "Show me" instead of "No"
How encouraging would THAT be!?
A6 Support, encourage, positive feedback, build trust, listen & collab, smile, visit classrooms & share ideas
Q6 Be a learner, too. Read an article about something not related to school or students.
Q7. What is a take-away that you had from tonight’s ?
I love it when you make connections between two seeming unrelated things! Knowledge is connected!
A7: I need to be a leader that encourages risk and innov, build relationships that guide creativity and design thinking.
A8 creativity is more important than any specific content area
Creativity is individual but needs to be fostered by Ts like a magical gift that will allow Ss to soar. https://t.co/9gIJPfkMG6
Q7. What is a take-away that you had from tonight’s ?
A7: Don't quantify a unicorn! ;-)
Next weeks topic: Your professional goals for this year and your evaluations. Join us next Sun 8 PM ET US.
A7 Encourage others to take risks & model creativity & trust. Enhance a positive school culture by bldg flexible stu-cent clsrms
I as well. Thanks for joining
A7 I need to model willingness to try new things for my students, and always encourage them to go with their ideas, learn, learn
Thank you the inspiration & creativity tonight is astounding!!!
Visit this chat again...I am in a new role and want new ideas. Curriculum design. Online learning. Classroom of 1.
I really enjoyed tonight. Great ideas and I feel so motivated for school tomorrow
Thank you for joining tonight! See you next week - Sunday 8:00 PM EST.
Hmm, interesting. I'll check it out. Thanks! :)
