Teachers Don’t Like Creative Students
One of the most consistent findings in educational studies of creativity has been that teachers dislike personality traits associated with creativity. Research has indicated that teachers prefer traits that seem to run counter to creativity, such as conformity and unquestioning acceptance of authority (e.g., Bachtold, 1974; Cropley, 1992; Dettmer, 1981; Getzels & Jackson, 1962; Torrance, 1963). The reason for teachers’ preferences is quite clear creative people tend to have traits that some have referred to as obnoxious (Torrance, 1963). Torrance (1963) described creative people as not having the time to be courteous, as refusing to take no for an answer, and as being negativistic and critical of others. Other characteristics, although not deserving the label obnoxious, nonetheless may not be those most highly valued in the classroom.
….Research has suggested that traits associated with creativity may not only be neglected, but actively punished (Myers & Torrance, 1961; Stone, 1980). Stone (1980) found that second graders who scored highest on tests of creativity were also those identified by their peers as engaging in the most misbehavior (e.g., “getting in trouble the most”). Given that research and theory (e.g., Harrington, Block, & Block, 1987) suggest that a supportive environment is important to the fostering of creativity, it is quite possible that teachers are (perhaps unwittingly) extinguishing creative behaviors.
This. We as a society need to fix this. ASAP. I don’t know how I can say that more strongly
The thing is, it’s not always the teachers—it’s the rules teachers are bound by. Teachers often have their hands tied. The system itself is built for extinguishing creativity, as much as the teachers, the individuals, might want to help creative students flourish. There’s just no room for it.
And that, my friends, is a big, big problem.
That’s part of the reason I’m scared to become a teacher—it’s what I want to do more than anything, but I want to teach because I want to help kids. I want to foster that creativity and I want to help it grow and I want to see the kids who struggle under the confines of the current educational system—for any reason—to blossom. I want to help. But teachers have to play by the rules, too.
I’ve known too many good teachers who have quit because they can’t do what they want to do and what they need to do with the rules that are in place, and they were getting reprimanded by their higher-ups as well for breaking the rules.
It’s not just creative students who suffer under the current educational system. It’s creative teachers, as well.
I’ve found this in pretty much every level of education, too. I thought when I got to college there would be more room for creativity, but my university, at least, actually seems to actively attempt to stop creative curriculum.
I don’t really get why this is how our education system works, honestly. The way I was taught it - at the school that was all about uniformity and not stepping out of line*, actually (*rules did not apply if your father threatened to sue the school; more on that never) - that the way the Great American Education System is set up is to encourage creativity and ingenuity in kids, but it really seems that’s gradually being stomped out. But— why? I mean, if America’s whole shtick is that’s we’re a nation of inventors and makers and doers, why aren’t we encouraging that? Even all of the private schools I know of, the ones who wouldn’t be so dependent on federal funding and so have to step carefully in line to stay alive, just want their students to stop being imaginative.
And it just seems to get worse the higher the level of education. I know there was a serious drop in allowed creativity in assignments and projects from elementary to middle school, and then even more so from middle school to high school. Whyyyyy.
Because the people in charge don’t want smart, imaginative thinkers. They want mindless, ignorant sheep. Makes it easier for them to stay in charge.
/conspiracy theory sounding shit
Seriously, though… this crap needs to change. The entire education system just needs to be completely revamped, imo. But it’s not gonna happen. Not with the way things are now, at least.
(Source: abbyjean)
