Sara Dalton
- May 5, 2022
- 14 min read

How to Encourage Creativity in the Classroom: A Guide to Teaching Innovation

In his to-do list, Leonardo Da Vinci wrote descriptions of a woodpecker’s tongue, as well as sketching cadavers, drafting elaborate machine parts, or making costume designs. Da Vinci wrote over 7000 notes containing questions, sketches and calculations. He encouraged creativity in his everyday life—which paid off in his favor. His work redefined several fields of research from science to art to engineering. My client, Maria, was intrigued when my coworker suggested using a “Da Vinci” notebook for her classroom. The idea was simple: Students had a notebook in which to practice their creativity in their own way. Maria tried this strategy in her Math and English classes, and the response from students was fantastic. After a few weeks, she saw an increase in student engagement and creativity.

So how can we encourage creativity in the classroom?

There are several techniques that you can try with your students to help them tap into their creative side. One popular activity is called “brainwriting” or brainstorming with your hands. This involves students writing down their ideas on sticky notes and then grouping them based on common themes or topics.

Another strategy is to create unstructured time in your classroom. This could involve giving students a free-writing exercise where they write for a set amount of time without stopping. Similarly, you could ask students to try different creative exercises like sketching or making a short video to share their ideas.

The key is to give students the space and time they need to explore their creative impulses. By encouraging creativity in the classroom, you can help your students become innovative thinkers who are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced world.

Use higher-order thinking

Learning experiences should engage students in higher-order thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. By providing opportunities for students to think critically and creatively, we prepare them to be successful in school and in their future careers. Unfortunately, many classrooms focus primarily on lower-order thinking skills such as rote memorization and basic comprehension.

To encourage higher-order thinking, we need to design learning experiences that are engaging and challenging. One way to do this is to incorporate open-ended questions into your lesson plans. These types of questions require students to think critically and come up with original solutions.

Another way to encourage higher-order thinking is to give students opportunities to work on project-based learning tasks. These types of tasks allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems. By working on these types of tasks, students develop a deeper understanding of the material as well as learn how to think creatively.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is a belief that intelligence can be developed. This belief is based on the idea that the brain is like a muscle, and it can grow stronger with practice. Students who have a growth mindset understand that they can improve their intelligence and abilities through hard work and dedication.

Research has shown that students with a growth mindset are more likely to persist in the face of challenges, and they are more likely to be successful in school and in their careers.

There are several ways that you can encourage a growth mindset in your students. One way is to praise effort instead of intelligence. For example, you could say “You worked really hard on that project, great job!” instead of “That’s a really smart project, well done!"

More ideas:

Make a list of 10 things you are grateful for each day
Write down 3 things you want to achieve each day and cross them off as you accomplish them
Take time to practice mindfulness and relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation
Involve your students in classroom activities that encourage teamwork and collaboration
Focus on creating a positive learning environment where students feel safe to take risks and explore their ideas

All these ideas will develop growth mindset skills all of which are essential for success in school and beyond.

Why do schools need to prioritize creativity?

The term "creative" refers to the creation of new items that are innovative in their application and may be useful in a specific situation. A project might include a concept, some artwork, a creation, or a homework assignment for your class. While having your own distinct personality, being creative is not straightforward. Although most experts regard creativity as a collection of abilities and processes that one can learn and improve, some schools have been known to prioritize creativity over other important aspects of education.

There are several reasons why creativity should be a priority in schools. First, creativity is essential for students to develop their own unique voice and perspective. In a world where everyone is connected, it's more important than ever for students to be able to express themselves in a way that is authentic to who they are. Secondly, creativity is essential for problem-solving and critical thinking. When students are encouraged to think outside the box, they can tackle challenging problems in new and innovative ways.

Overall, schools need to prioritize creativity because it is a critical component of success in today's fast-paced world. By encouraging creative thinking and expression, schools can help students develop the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Use gamification to encourage participation

Gamification is the use of game concepts in a project. These aspects include point scoring incentives and rules to increase interest and participation. It was discovered that playing video games at creative levels had an association. While there are several educational video games accessible, it's easy to apply gamification methods to regular learning activities.

One way to use gamification in the classroom is to create leaderboards where students can earn points for participation. For example, you could give students a certain number of participation points each day, and the student with the most points at the end of the week would win a small reward or prize. Another option is to assign specific creative tasks and give bonus points to the student who completes it first.

Overall, gamification is a powerful tool that can help encourage your students to participate and engage with their learning. By leveraging game elements in creative projects, you can help your students develop a passion for learning and creativity.

Allow students to teach

One of the best ways to encourage creativity in the classroom is to allow students to teach each other. When students are allowed to share their ideas with their peers, they can develop a greater sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning. Additionally, this technique allows you to tap into the wealth of knowledge and experience that your students have.

There are many ways to implement this strategy in your classroom. For example, you could create a small group tutoring session where students help each other with problem areas. Alternatively, you could assign small projects and allow students to present their work to the class.

Encourage risk-taking

In many cases, creativity is stifled by the fear of failure. When students are afraid to take risks, they often stick to what they know and avoid exploring new ideas. As a teacher, you can help encourage risk-taking by creating a safe and supportive environment.

There are many ways to do this in your classroom. For example, you could establish a code of conduct that clearly outlines your expectations and provides students with the support they need to take creative risks. Additionally, you could create opportunities for students to share their work and receive feedback from their peers.

Overall, encouraging risk-taking is essential if we want to cultivate creativity in the classroom. By creating a supportive environment and providing students with the tools they need, we can help students tap into their full potential and develop as creative thinkers.

Participate in five minutes of mindfulness each day

Though it may be challenging for students to understand mindfulness initially, it will be a valuable tool in their adult years. Harvard University studies have shown meditation can reduce stress by helping participants turn on fight-or-flight responses and engage in better, creative thinking. Those who think differently are called diverging minds. To encourage creative thinking in the classroom, consider encouraging students to participate in five minutes of mindfulness each day. This may be challenging for some students at first, but as you work with them and provide instruction and guidance, they will likely find this exercise can help improve both their focus and creativity. If you want to promote creative thinking in your classroom, it's important to encourage students to participate in five minutes of mindfulness each day. This simple exercise can help improve both focus and creativity, two essential skills for any creative thinker.

Set aside time for journaling

Journaling is a great way for students to explore their thoughts and feelings, and it can also help encourage creativity. When students are allowed to reflect on their day, they can often come up with new ideas and perspectives. Additionally, journaling can help students healthily process their emotions and experiences.

Fresh ideas often come to those who take the time to reflect on their day. If you want to encourage creativity in your classroom, consider setting aside time for journaling. This simple activity can help students explore their thoughts and feelings, and it can also lead to new ideas and perspectives.

Creative students often find that journaling is a key part of their creative process, so be sure to allow them to keep a journal in your classroom. This will help encourage self-reflection and exploration, while also allowing students to express themselves in writing.

Leave the classroom more often

Most schools do not encourage teachers to leave the classroom, but this can be a good thing when it comes to encouraging creative thinking. When students are exposed to different environments and perspectives, they often come up with new ideas and solutions to problems.

If you want to help your students tap into their full creative potential, consider leaving the classroom more often. Highly creative students often find that they do their best thinking when they're exposed to different environments and perspectives. So, take them on field trips, have them participate in community service projects, and encourage them to explore the world around them.

Encourage students to come up with alternative ways to complete assignments

If you want to encourage creativity in your classroom, it's important to give students the freedom to be creative. This means allowing them to come up with alternative ways to complete assignments. For example, if you're studying the Revolutionary War in history class, consider having students design their own war strategies or create a new flag for the United States.

When students are encouraged to think outside the box, they will often come up with new and creative solutions to problems. So, be sure to encourage your students to come up with alternative ways of completing assignments.

Warm-ups that involve creative thinking are a great way to start the day. If you want to encourage creativity in your classroom, start the day with a creative thinking warm-up. This will help get students' minds going and will set the tone for the rest of the day. There are several different ways to do this, but one simple way is to have students write down five new ideas they have each day.

By encouraging creativity in your classroom, you will be helping your students develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for academic success and beyond. So, make it a point to regularly promote creative thinking in your classroom as often as you can. Creative students are often happier students, so do what you can to foster creativity in your classroom today.

Build brainstorming sessions

Brainstorming is a great way for students to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems. When students are allowed to brainstorm, they often surprise you with their creativity. Future success depends on creativity, so it's important to encourage brainstorming in your classroom as often as possible.

There are several different ways to do this, but one simple way is to have students write down five new ideas they have each day. This can be done at the beginning or end of class, or you could set aside a specific time each day for brainstorming.

Another way to encourage creativity is to build brainstorming sessions into your lesson plans. Students can solve puzzles, create presentations, or work on group projects as a way of brainstorming new ideas and solutions.

By encouraging creativity in your classroom, you will be fostering creativity in your students. And this will help set them up for success now and in the future.

Problem finding and Problem-solving for Learning Creativity

When it comes to creativity, problem finding is just as important as problem-solving. Many experts believe that problem finding is the key to creativity.

To encourage problem finding in your students, start by having them brainstorm a list of problems they see in the world around them. This can be done as a class, in small groups, or individually. Once they have a list of problems, challenge them to come up with creative solutions to those problems. A good teacher will encourage their students to take risks and think outside the box when coming up with solutions.

To further foster creative thinking, you can also use problem-based learning in your classroom. This involves having students work on real-world problems that they will need to solve to achieve their educational goals.

By encouraging your students to be creative problem-solvers, you are helping to develop the skills they need for future success. Creativity is critical in many fields, so it's important to promote problem finding and problem-solving as often as possible in your classroom. With the right mindset and a supportive learning environment, your students will have all the tools they need to be creative thinkers.

The learning process should not be about getting the right answer, but rather about finding new and creative ways to solve problems. So, encourage your students to take risks, experiment, and think outside the box. This will help them develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for future success.

Encourage divergent thinking in your classroom

Divergent thinking is a type of thinking that involves coming up with new ideas and solutions. It's the opposite of convergent thinking, which is when you focus on finding one correct answer to a problem.

One way to encourage divergent thinking in your classroom is to give students open-ended questions that have more than one correct answer. For example, rather than asking them to name the capital of a country, you could ask them to list all the countries in the world. This allows them to use their creativity to come up with new ideas and solutions.

Another way to encourage divergent thinking is to have students work on open-ended projects that allow them to be creative. For example, you could have students create presentations or posters that showcase their ideas and solutions. Or you could encourage them to work in groups to come up with innovative ways to solve a problem that they care about.

Final Thoughts

Encouraging creativity in your students is one of the best things you can do for their future. Creativity is critical in many fields, so it's important to promote problem finding and problem-solving as often as possible in your classroom. With the right mindset and a supportive learning environment, your students will have all the tools they need to be creative thinkers. So, encourage divergent thinking and allow your students to explore their creative potential!

FAQs:

Here are some answers to the most common questions I get asked about teaching creativity and innovation.

Is creativity born in us or can it be taught?

There is much debate about whether creativity can be taught, or if some people are simply born more creative than others. While there may be some truth to the latter belief, most experts agree that it is possible to cultivate creativity in your students and help them develop their creative potential. To learn creativity, it is important to encourage divergent thinking and problem-solving skills in your students.

Why is creativity not taught in schools?

Schools often focus on convergent thinking, which is when you focus on finding one correct answer to a problem. This type of thinking is important for standardized tests and other academic assessments. However, it does not encourage creativity or divergent thinking. As a result, many schools do not place a strong emphasis on teaching creativity.

Teachers can help their students develop creativity by encouraging divergent thinking and problem-solving skills. This can be done through open-ended questions, creative projects, and group work. By promoting creativity in the classroom, teachers can help their students develop the skills they need for future success.

How do you stimulate creativity in adults?

Activities such as brainstorming, working on open-ended projects, and collaborating with others can all help stimulate creativity in adults. Creativity thrives when people are given the freedom to explore new ideas and solutions. When adults feel supported and empowered to be creative, they are more likely to come up with new and innovative ideas. True creativity also requires a certain degree of risk-taking and experimentation, so it is important to encourage this mindset in your students or adult learners.

What are some ways to kill creativity?

A significant effort made by many teachers to force students to conform and follow strict rules can easily kill creativity in students. Additionally, a lack of support for risk-taking and experimentation can also stifle creativity in students. Other factors that may contribute to killing creativity include rigid lesson plans, negative feedback or criticism, and the perception that only certain types of people are creative. Research projects and group work can also be a source of stress for students and may cause them to feel discouraged about their creativity.

How can teachers increase their own creativity so that they may pass on their skills to their students?

To teach creativity, teachers need to model creative thinking in their own lives. One way to do this is by taking on new challenges and pursuing interests outside of your comfort zone. Additionally, try to be open-minded and embrace change. Be willing to experiment with new teaching methods and approaches. By modeling creativity in your own life, you can teach students the importance of creative thinking and problem-solving. Naturally creative teachers can also help foster an environment in the classroom that is conducive to creativity and innovation. Enhance creativity by establishing a classroom environment where risk-taking is encouraged, mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, and all students feel valued and supported.

What does the research say about creativity?

Some experts believe that creativity is largely due to genetic factors, while others believe that it can be developed through education and training. However, the majority of researchers agree that creative behavior is the result of a combination of both nature and nurture.

Does creativity decline in adulthood?

Creative thought is often associated with childhood and adolescence. However, this does not mean that creativity necessarily declines in adulthood. In fact, many adults report feeling more creative later in life. There are several explanations for this phenomenon, including the accumulation of knowledge and experience, increased confidence, and greater motivation to be creative. Additionally, as we age, we become less concerned about perfection and judgment, and more willing to take risks and make mistakes.

Overall, research suggests that creativity is not a fixed trait, but rather something that can be developed and enhanced throughout our lives.

How do you teach art creatively?

Art students will tell you that the most effective way to teach art creatively is by giving them plenty of opportunities for hands-on, open-ended projects. This might involve offering a variety of media and tools, setting aside time for experimentation, and encouraging collaboration with other students.

Imagination and creativity are also key components of art education, so it is important to foster a classroom environment that is open and supportive. Other forms of art, such as music, dance, and drama, can also be used to teach creativity.

What is design thinking and how can it help students develop creative ideas?

Design thinking is a process that can be used to generate creative ideas. It involves breaking down a problem or challenge into smaller parts, and then brainstorming possible solutions. The key to design thinking is to think outside the box and come up with creative and unexpected solutions. Creative people often use design thinking to come up with innovative solutions, and this method can also be used by students in the classroom.

There are several resources available to help teachers and students learn more about design thinking, including online courses, workshops, and books on the subject. With these tools and strategies, educators can help students develop their creative potential and become better problem-solvers.

While some people are naturally more creative than others, everyone has the ability to be creative to some degree. And, with the right environment and encouragement, everyone can learn to be more creative. Additionally, design thinking is a process that can be used to generate creative ideas by breaking down a problem or challenge into smaller parts and then brainstorming possible solutions.

What is low latent inhibition?

Low latent inhibition (LLI) is a cognitive trait characterized by a diminished ability to filter out irrelevant stimuli from one's environment. Individuals with LLI are more likely to notice small details, see patterns where others see randomness and make connections between seemingly unrelated things. This enhanced processing of information can lead to greater creativity, as well as increased distractibility, impulsivity, and anxiety. Although LLI is generally considered to be a trait that is present from birth, it can sometimes develop later in life as a result of brain injury or neurological disorders. Because of the potential benefits and challenges associated with LLI, it is important for individuals and society to better understand this condition.

Does low latent inhibition make you smart?

Low latent inhibition has been linked to higher levels of creativity and intelligence. Individuals with low latent inhibition can see the world differently and make connections that others might not see. This ability can be an asset in fields such as art, music, and design. Low latent inhibition has also been linked to higher levels of anxiety and a higher risk of certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. As with all personality traits, there are both pros and cons to having low latent inhibition. Ultimately, the effects will depend on a variety of factors, including the individual's environment and support system. A relaxed mood helps low-latent inhibitors to focus and be creative. So it might be a good idea to take some time to relax before working on a creative project.