In this fact sheet creativity is defined and stages in the creative process and characteristics of creative persons are discussed. Research approaches to creativity and blocks to the creative process are described. Six creative approaches to integrating creativity into counseling are delineated. (MCF)

Popular misconceptions about creativity include the following: it is limited to a few unique individuals, it declines seriously with age, and it is associated with uniqueness or innovation. As the focus of creativity research has shifted from examination of the personality traits of creative individuals to examination of the social and…

The recognition that children's cognitive skills are evident in visual as well as verbal conventions has led to the construction of the Silver Test of Cognitive and Creative Skills (STCCS) for the assessment and development of children's cognitive abilities. Research on cognition, the role of language in cognition, and left and right brain…

The digest explores the nature of the creative process. It begins with background information which notes the importance of seeing the familiar in a new light and the possibility on non-acceptance of the creative act. Four basic abilities necessary for creativity and problem solving are identified: (1) fluency, (2) flexibility, (3) elaboration,…

This ERIC Digest explores factors that affect creativity in children and techniques for fostering this quality. The need to study creativity and the definition of creativity within a developmental framework are also discussed. Six ways adults can encourage children's creativity are listed. It is pointed out that adults can encourage creativity by…

The rapid rise in entrepreneurship programs and centers has been fueled by unprecedented student demand, and the popularity of entrepreneurship courses is outstripping the supply in programs across the United States. Entrepreneurship education has been criticized as a fad by some, but it appears to have established a firm beachhead in higher…

The digest examines the range of traits that may be exhibited by intellectually gifted children. The characterisitcs are explained to be signals that a particular child might warrant closer observation and special educational attention. Characteristics are listed under three headings: general behavior (early reading, ability to detect and…

A brief overview of gifted and talented students touches on definitions of giftedness, typical characteristics of gifted and talented students, incidence in the school population, and educational alternatives. Lists of references for further reading, as well as organizational resources, are included. (JW)

This annotated bibiliography of readings and resources for parents and teachers of gifted children is divided into the following categories: books containing general information about gifted and talented students, 1985-1989 (15 items); practical self-help books, 1979-1989 (16 items); books on specific areas in gifted education (13 items);…

Factors that are closely related to creative behavior are also intimately connected with language learning and the ability to communicate in languages other than one's own. These factors are fluency; flexibility; elaboration; originality; sensitivity to problems; and the ability to synthesize and analyze, to reorganize an idea, to handle…

The ongoing process of developing new academic programs is slow, and the process by which this gradual reshaping occurs involves all aspects of the institution of higher education. The overlap of innovation in organizations, strategic planning, and program evaluation is important in this development. Administrators, trustees, and faculty members…

Courses designed to teach problem-solving and creativity, which are relatively new additions to college curricula, are discussed, along with their intellectual foundations and research on these two processes. The teaching of these processes involves the following course goals: teaching a specific subject, generally useful skills, and professional…

This digest presents ideas for teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in foreign countries where textbooks or other traditional instructional materials are limited or unavailable. The activities discussed emphasize student participation, require creativity, and encourage students to enjoy learning English. Four particular activities used by…

Forty-three author contributed papers provide an overview of education for gifted and talented students. The following aspects are addressed (sample subtopics in parentheses): the identification continuum (teacher identification, behavior rating scales, implications for equality of educational opportunity); characteristics of the gifted…

This digest paper presents strategies and activities that can be used to encourage gifted students to develop their individual talents in the language arts. Suggestions for exploring poetic language especially free verse, include ideas for creating group poems and catalysts for creating individual poems. Suggestions for exploring the elements of…