Educational experiences which facilitate the development of original thinking and learning are (1) the "open system" of education which stresses freedom at home and at school; (2) the emphasis on sensory awareness of the environment; (3) the development of curiosity and sense of wonder; (4) the growth of imaginative powers and original thinking…

Fifty-one very bright adolescents participated in a productive-thinking program and a challenging course in either creative writing or the social sciences. The program produced significant gains in verbal intelligence scores. The productive-thinking program also significantly raised scores on measures of creativity. (Author/GDC)

In this special section on creativity and learning, several articles discuss practices of schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Topics include the role of reciprocity between child and adult in creative learning; the importance of play for adults; and ideas directors can use to help teachers translate creativity into classroom practice. (AC)

Describes the early childhood system in Reggio Emilia, Italy, in which educators (1) ensure that children live in "a community of well-being"; (2) create a supportive environment; (3) respect individual rhythms; (4) maintain work areas for the visual arts; (5) respond flexibly to children; and (6) foster peer support. (AC)

Teachers (n=101) of undergraduate and graduate level courses in creativity were surveyed concerning their beliefs about creativity, their goals for a creativity course, and the course activities. The study found consistency in the description of the goals, experiences, assignments, and evaluation procedures valued by respondents. Tables detail…

Describes a specialized school for the arts for high school students. Discusses courses in ceramics, metal working, photography, advancement placement in studio art, and art history. Explains the relationship between this specialized school and the surrounding high schools that these students attend for other subjects. (KM)

In engineering education, creativity and communication processes have become necessary in complex structures such as technological networks and virtual reality. A new sociotechnical approach describes the engineering profession in aspects other than technology such as tasks, views, organization structures, and cooperation. Describes a…

Described are the development, implementation, and evaluation of six 3-hour inservice training sessions designed to help five participating teachers improve imagination and creativity in fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students. Content areas for each session are outlined; activities including brainstorming and role playing are reviewed; and…

The conflict between Samoan culture and the development of creativity among Samoan students is examined. Creativity is defined as the process of sensing gaps, finding a means of effecting closure, and formulating hypotheses to eventually produce a novel product. The greater the pressure to conform, however, no matter what the source, the fewer the…

Because of their cultural experiences, gifted Asian and Pacific-American children may demonstrate high ability and task commitment but need support for creativity--the third characteristic of productive, gifted individuals. Instructional approaches that reduce external evaluation, encourage risk taking, and provide opportunities for divergent…

Recognizing that creativity facilitates children's learning and development, the Head Start Program Performance Standards require Head Start programs to include opportunities for creative self-expression. This guide with accompanying videotape, both in English- and Spanish- language versions, encourages and assists adults to support children's…

Findings of this study support the view that open schooling neither enhances nor decreases achievement as conventionally defined and measured. However, creativity in first graders was found to be enhanced by open schooling methods. (Author/DB)

Defines creativity as the process of being original, spontaneous, and/or unique, using prior knowledge and available information to think or act in a new way. Creativity can be fostered by acceptance and encouragement, by an atmosphere of trust, and by selection of classroom activities and materials. Children need uninterrupted work time for…

This lecture discusses the creative ability of young children, asserting that educators must cultivate children's creative potential so that these abilities can develop and expand. Early childhood education also needs to take into account children's natural need for rules. (MDM)

Results of an 18-year longitudinal study of 48 Israeli high school students who were seniors at the study's start suggest that measures of creative thinking and creative leisure activities were more important than school-oriented predictors of intelligence and school grades in predicting creative attainments in adults. (DB)