This documents describes a perspective on Vygotsky's theory of play and imagination that differs significantly from previous interpretations. Vygotsky proposed a developmental theory of creativity in which creative imagination develops from children's play activities into a higher mental function that can be consciously regulated through inner…

This paper traces some of the early 20th century roots of aesthetic formalism as they came to effect the development of art education theory and practice in this country up to the beginning of the Second World War. The paper focuses on American sources and on the writings and ideas of Benman Ross, Arthur Wesley Dow, J. Hambidge, Albert C. Barnes,…

Claims about the relative holding-power and play-versatility of toys either low or high in amount of realistic detail, such as miniature metal cars, were tested in a solitary play environment with and without the use of props. Subjects were 36 middle-class preschool children. Results suggest that, when structure is varied within the toy prototype,…

This essay compares two recent books on computer technology in terms of their usage of gendered or gender-free language. The two books examined are "Turing's Man: Western Culture in the Computer Age" by J. David Bolter and "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit" by Sherry Turkle. It is argued that the two authors' gender differences in…

Improvisation can show teachers ways to use the senses to make ideas, emotions, or any academic lesson stick with a child. By using improvisational techniques, the teacher asks the student to play--to be active and to discover. For example, there are games to help the child to concentrate, verbalize, touch and make contact with other children, and…

A study attempted to measure the effects of contingency management, conditions that essentially forced subjects to write, on their writing productivity and creative ideas. Subjects were 27 published college faculty with doctorates, divided into three groups of nine. The first or contingency group participated in a "baseline phase" during which…

It is frequently maintained that creativity involves flexibility, spontaneity, and divergent thinking. Contrary to this commonly held notion, rules play a central role in creativity. For example, in art most work is not revolutionary but rather takes place within a framework of rules dictated by a tradition, a school, or a style. Skills, too, are…

Most of this early childhood unit on toys provides suggestions for toy-making activities in the areas of art, games, music, science, math, creative dramatics, language arts, social studies, cooking and bulletin boards. It also suggests resources (such as field trips and persons with special knowledge of toys). Special emphasis is placed on…

Reports the outcome of a meeting in which 21 of the world's more prominent scientists and philosophers of science attempted to analyze the creative process in science and medicine and explore ways in which scientific creativity might be taught. (JR)

Discusses ways in which teachers can establish an atmosphere which will foster the creative use of language among their students. (PM)

Twelve divergent production tests were administered to two groups of adolescents with average Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) IQ's of 69.5 and 104.5. Six divergent production factors were extracted in each group and rotated to a target derived from Guilford's Structure of Intellect Model. The subnormal group fitted better to the…

Studies gifted fifth and sixth grade students to determine whether their scores differ on measures of verbal productivity after placement in three different programs. No significant differences were reported. (HMV)

Examines the hypothesis of general semantics that controlling language-influenced misconceptions and misperceptions of reality will enhance emotional and intellectual efficiency. (RB)

Examines the nature of science and art, and discusses the relationship between these two fields of creative human activity. (JR)

Publication of student writing motivates learning and creativity. (JH)