Embrace ambiguity and out-of-the-box thinking to foster creativity in the classroom – Times of India

In a good classroom environment there is always some element of creativity that has the potential to make lessons more interesting and interactive. The unmatched blend of creativity with the curriculum can help the students to be innovative apart from encouraging them to learn new things. BYJU’S- India’s leading edtech platform strongly believes that creativity can transform the way students acquire knowledge and apply it in their real life. Teachers who can devise creative ways of thinking, engage in play with material, and express their ideas cleverly, will produce creative students. Creative solutions don’t always have to be traditional; Sometimes it takes pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box for an innovative solution to present itself.
We spoke to some eminent principals across the country to understand the role of creativity in today’s classroom and the inherent benefits of sharing ideas to showcase and develop creativity regularly.
“Mark Van Doren likens the importance of a teacher to that of a gem worker who carves a stone which then becomes priceless. Children are a sea of ​​immense possibilities, and to find rare treasures from the depths of the ocean , is best done when there is a guru who inspires them to explore the skills they already have. When a teacher shares with them a real wealth of knowledge, the manifestation of the latent comes into the picture which is their own life and the world around them. A motivated student can conquer all the obstacles of life and this is possible only when an optimistic teacher encourages him on the path of self-discovery.
Mr. Siddharth Singh, Director, The Emerald Heights International School

“Teacher is the pivot that sparks joy in creative expression. She sparks curiosity to explore knowledge. Today, the creative thinker reigns supreme. Among India’s successful unicorn startups, innovators are those who have unique ideas. Elementary classes U.S. teachers engage students in a plethora of games to teach everything from language to counting and vocabulary. Energetic middle school history through debate, group discussions, flipped classroom and enactment role play, role reversal and club activities And teach every nuance of science. Street plays are of paramount importance to create awareness and understanding about social causes and environment, and every school should encourage it.”
Smt. Rekha Pillai, Principal, DPS Ujjain

“Children should be taught how to think, not what to think”. I actually think this quote has something to do with creativity. When students start thinking, their creativity will come out in different ways. The spark of creativity the students have learned is from the classrooms and from their dear teachers. Teachers recognize the hidden talents of their children. Teachers are respected for learning and developing skills in students. Teachers of the 21st century must develop higher-order thinking skills in students, and use a variety of methods to create an environment of higher thinking and creativity. Children will go through different experiences on the school campus and should be exposed to many different innovative ideas. Teachers can also give confidence to students by reassuring them that they are with them.”
Father Sibi Joseph, Principal, St. Aloysius Sr. Sec. School, Cantonment, Jabalpur

“Teachers are the ultimate role models in the lives of the students. A great teacher is always helpful and kind to his students and appreciates their achievements. It is the teacher who is an instrument for the students to reveal their skills and talents. A conducive and positive learning environment should be created, providing positive reinforcement to perform well.This process allows students to express their thoughts and feelings, explore their inner world, develop greater self-awareness and relieve stress. The creative mind of the students leads them towards feelings of achievement and pride. In this regard teachers have a great responsibility to impart value based education which helps the students to become more sensible and responsible citizens ”
Sr. Shraddha, St. Mary’s Convent School, Ujjain

“Teachers can be the inspiration, the cause of many aspects, creativity is one of them, for their students. When a teacher instills a ‘sense of inquiry’ while teaching his subject, instills curiosity in the students , it fosters a sense of creativity. When a teacher handles a situation differently, and seeks alternative solutions to a problem, she fosters the ability to be different, therefore creative. The teacher tries to ensure that ‘learning is fun’ then she displays creativity. Every teacher with a positive mindset promotes a lot of creativity apart from positivity, which is very essential for the society. Enters the class with a smile, she turns away and forgets her worries, pending household chores, and herself too, to enjoy interacting with the students.”
Smt. Bhavna Dubey, Principal, The Radiant Way School, Raipur