Cultivating creativity in the classroom, part 1

In the first official episode of Innovation unpackagedIn Boxlight’s new podcast series, host Gabrielle Bejarano sat down with STEM training and development specialist Preston Trebas to discuss the challenges teachers face in today’s educational landscape, with a special focus on fostering creativity in the classroom. classroom.

The central challenge: time and pressure
Preston emphasized that time is at the heart of the challenges teachers face. Pressures placed on teachers by administrators, parents, and the community can unintentionally stifle creativity in the classroom.

“When I look at the challenges I faced in talking to educators, what often comes up is time,” he said. “When you look at the word ‘time’ and you look at the things that surround time, you can see the pressures that administrators, parents, the community put on teachers…”

Preston feels that the pressure to excel and perform, driven by a desire for excellence, often results in an overemphasis on standardized testing and curricular requirements, deviating from the true essence of education.

Fostering creativity: a human birthright
Preston emphasizes that creativity is an inherent human ability that can and should be encouraged. He said: “We are all born with the ability to be creative. We are all born with it potential be creative.” He strongly believes that schools should focus on nurturing this skill rather than stifling it, commenting: “There is a hunger for creativity that makes children look for ways to express themselves. They are looking for an outlet… it is our role as educators…guide them through this process.”

Balancing curriculum and creativity
Preston suggests two practical approaches to fostering creativity in the classroom. The first involves allowing students to explore their passions through passion projects. By giving students the opportunity to choose topics that truly interest them, educators can create a more engaging learning environment. The second approach introduces the idea of ​​a choice board. This structured method allows students to choose from a variety of options for how they want to demonstrate their understanding of a concept, fostering a sense of ownership in their learning.

A precipice of creative change
The conversation highlights the critical moment in education where there is an opportunity to reevaluate what really matters. Educators who embrace change and prioritize students’ interests often find that test scores and learning outcomes improve. This is the time to empower students to take responsibility for their learning and lead their educational journey.

Watch the full podcast:

This podcast discussion provides valuable insights into how educators can foster creativity in the classroom, empower students, and create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Part two of this insightful conversation with Preston Trebas is coming soon.