Creativity and Schools

Blogs I read:
http://acttwointermission.blogspot.com/
http://jzhang7.blogspot.com/
http://angeladodge.blogspot.com/

From the blogs I've read, it seems that schools are preventing creativity in students. Many schools focus on grades and put emphasis on math and science rather than the fine arts. Schools emphasize the importance of grades, so students feel that there is only one right answer. Students are also afraid to answer questions because they are afraid of being wrong. Therefore, students cannot use their creativity to find a new or alternative answer or way of doing something. Schools do not encourage the fine arts, which include music, art, and dance. Many high schools require 4 years of mathematics, but they do not have a music requirement. Thus, schools praise each student's individual talents.

I agree with my classmates' opinions. I knew many students in high school who did not take art classes or band/choir because there is no honors section. These students state that art and music will drop their GPA because they are not weighted. Also when I was in high school, my parents discouraged me from doing band because they thought that taking more math and science will benefit me better. Many students believe that intelligence is defined by the grades they get. However, there are many types of intelligence. Some people are good math, while others are good at music. Some people are good with interacting with people, and some people are good at understanding their own feelings. Schools should nurture all types of intelligence rather than place emphasis on grades.

In my future classroom, I would like to show students there are more than one right answer. Although in math, sometimes there literally is only on answer, but many times there are multiple of ways of solving a problem. I want to teach students several approaches to solving problems and let the students choose which way they understand the best. I also want students to learn from their mistakes. In a math classroom, students can correct their mistakes, and it will show they can learn. I also want to encourage students to do other things, such as sports and the fine arts. I have had many teachers that were supportive of other activities I did, and I want to do the same with my students. I want students to explore their creativity outside of the classroom.