Creative Pedagogy for Literacy Instruction

Background

Before discussing creative pedagogy or methods of fostering creativity in the classroom, it is important to supply a definition for creativity from an educational perspective. There is a lack of consensus regarding the definition of creativity and the creative process (Bloom & Dole, 2018; Lin, 2011). Merriam-Webster defines creativity as “the ability to create” and defines the term creative as “having the quality of something created rather than imitated.” Singha et. al., (2020) noted that standard definitions for creativity indicate an outcome or end-product that is of value.

In most definitions, the end product and its function are listed as components of defining creativity. However, Martin (2009) and others opposed the inclusion of an end product in the definition stating that creativity can be present without actually creating. Primarily, the argument was against assigning value or judgment of creative practices and products because of the limited scope created by the necessity of production. While the argument may be valid outside of education, the inclusion of an end product or actual creation fits within the realm of teaching and learning (Zbainos & Tziona, 2019).

Defining creativity to include the production of something new as well as unique has been the standard for decades (Runco & Jaeger, 2012). In addition, originality often referred to as novelty, is also a critical aspect and valuable result of creativity. Collard and Looney (2014) claimed that people with the highest levels of creativity tend to find the best solutions in the shortest amount of time or with the highest efficiency, further confirming an end product and its usefulness, or fitness, as deemed important by Ambile (1982). Ambile noted that in order for a creative product or idea to be useful, it must fit within the context, deeming the term fitness. In other words, a creative end product will bring numerous aspects into account and create a product that meets the various needs and requirements. Runco and Jaeger (2012) also pointed out that originality must couple with usefulness and appropriateness, or fitness.

Based on a systematic literature review of approaches to measuring creativity, Said-Metwaly et al. (2017) stated, “Researchers generally agree that creativity involves the production of novel and useful responses” (p. 243). For the purpose of creativity within the field of education, the definition of The National Advisory Committee on Creative and Cultural Education (1999), is a reasonable choice: “an imaginative activity fashioned to build outcomes that are original and of value.” Using this definition, training in creative pedagogy can build upon the creative process with an identifiable outcome or end product.