This article compares three theories of the creative process taken from aesthetic philosophy: aesthetic enjoyment (D. W. Gotshalk), aesthetic experience (John Dewey), and aesthetic knowledge (Susanne Langer). Each shows different versions of the learning that accrues from creative activity. From this, curriculum planning and teaching suggestions…

Our culture enforces compliance and obedience in all its institutions and at every level. These institutions systematically discourage independent thought or unconventional action. Schools can play an important role in educating strong, independent thinkers. Teachers should act to reward creative disobedience and to discourage conformity. (JN)

The independent sector is seen as a powerful and positive force in our national life because of its freedom from constraints, its pluralism, its environment for innovation, home for nonmajoritarian ideas, stimulus to individual initiative, opportunities for participation, role as an instrument of community, etc. (Author/MLW)

Curriculum reform should recapture meaning in education, return childhood to children, and emphasize exploratory activity and analogic cognitive processes. (Author/MLF)

The effects of self-instructional use of programed creativity materials for gifted and regular students were investigated. Pre- and post-tests of creative thinking were administered. Students in the creativity training group attained significantly greater gains on verbal fluency. Creative thinking abilities were improved for both gifted and…

Evaluation of Israeli students, 392 in grades 7-9 and 381 in grades 10-12, in the domain of literature supported the construct validity of the 4 X 4 Structure of Giftedness Model, in which giftedness is conceptualized in 4 categories of general and specific intellectual ability and original thinking and 4 ordered ability levels embedded in a…

Claims that creativity can be nurtured in young children using the appropriate creative environment, such as schools with creative programs, continuous enrichment of the environment, and creative teachers and creative ways of teaching. Concludes that the most powerful possibility of nurturing creativity in an individual lies in interaction with…

An evaluation of a Canadian program that infused the arts throughout the elementary curriculum reviewed test scores of 7,000 students in Grades 1-6 and surveyed teachers, students, administrators, artists, and parents. Findings indicate that involvement in the arts improved mathematical computation scores, contributed to student motivation, and…

Students make paper "Flat Stanleys" and send them with blank journals to classes in other states or countries. Recipients treat Stanley as a guest, record the things they do with him, and return him with the completed journals to the senders. Flat Stanley has sparked teacher and student creativity and motivation in 2,500 classes in 18 countries.…

Presents an approach that teachers can use to promote and investigate students' motivation to learn in the classroom. Notes that the strategies used are from Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking courses. Explains the following motivational devices: dual-entry diary; clusters; know/want to know/learned; think/pair/share; discussion web;…

A study evaluated the relationship of teacher nomination instruments to later performance of 121 students from low-income backgrounds in a gifted program. Results indicate nominations based on thinking abilities, general gifted behaviors, and special learning skills were related to later performance on creativity, group skills, and language…

Investigates the creativity and behavior precipitated by employing the mandala as an active centering device for children with Attention-Deficit Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Drawings were requested and rated according to the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale. Preliminary findings indicate that attentional abilities…

Describes an engaging project in which students have to design and construct a three-dimensional candy box that would appeal to children. Requires students to make the box out of prisms, pyramids, or cylinders, determine the surface area and volume of the solids, and write a persuasive business letter. (YDS)

A study explored the relationship between two creative types (adaptor and innovator) and the Big Five personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience), in 164 teachers in Singapore. Adaptors were significantly more conscientious than innovators, while innovators were significantly more…

Discusses the need for librarians to develop effective strategic plans and to regard the library operation as a business operation. Explains 12 entrepreneurial traits that are needed for success in librarianship and information services, including passion, enthusiasm, trustworthiness, creativity, persistence, responsibility, flexibility,…