Changing the Rules: Education for Creative Thinking

Many countries are increasing the priority schools assign to creative thinking. This departure from expectations of the past is considered a way to enhance productivity and improve mental health. But, efforts to replace customary education practices are often met with resistance, a loss of harmony, and challenges which are unforeseen. This presentation describes ways schools and families could provide greater support for creative behavior. The rules guiding instruction at all levels of education should be revised. Some recommended changes implicate teacher training, methods for the evaluation of learning, use of technology tools, expectations of students, and adult willingness to take into account student impressions about how to improve schools.