This article describes the development of an instrument for examining schools as institutions where teaching practices and school structures provide opportunities and support for student imagination, creativity, and innovation, as well as initial comparisons using the instrument, using a sample of n = 5020 students and n = 268 teachers (n = 161…

An integrative literature review was conducted according to Coopers' guidelines in order to critique and integrate issues over the convergence among imaginative/Waldorf pedagogy, social-emotional learning and media literacy mindfulness in Primary and Secondary education. A comprehensive analysis of theoretical and empirical articles between 2005…

As the world is changing and transforming at a fast pace, students today are expected to face more challenges in the future. For example, they need to prepare for jobs that do not yet exist, use technologies that have not been invented yet, or even solve problems that have not been discovered yet. The current study proposes that futures…

The concept of Funds of Identity (FOI) comes from a theory of learning that emphasizes the importance of recognizing and using students' cultural, linguistic, and personal backgrounds to enhance their educational experiences. FOI is like a "toolbox" of resources that people gather over time. These resources are shaped by historical,…

In this article, the author states that it is a delight to walk into a Montessori classroom to the hum of children engaged in a variety of activities, especially when there is an accompanying feeling of joy and happiness. In desiring the peaceful calm of the classroom, educators may inadvertently hinder the joy, enthusiasm, and imagination that…

What happens in the first week of school could very well set the stage for the rest of the school year. Setting high standards for science activities based in inquiry can start on the first day of science class and develop as the year unfolds. With the use of simple, readily available, inexpensive materials, an efficient mystery box lesson can be…

The United States is competing in a dynamic global economy in which two assets--a skilled, versatile and highly adaptable workforce and the capacity for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship--provide a decisive edge. To succeed in today's economic climate, the U.S. needs a well-educated, technically proficient workforce in all sectors and…

Most people think of the arts in education as a way of teaching arts skills, and in times when the emphasis is on achieving literacy and numeracy (necessary, but not sufficient, educational goals) the arts can often be seen as "fringe." This article makes the case that study of artworks in the service of developing perceptive and…

Michael Hinojosa, general superintendent of the Dallas Independent School District, is hiring 140 new arts teachers this year. It is the latest and perhaps most remarkable step in a 10-year effort by policymakers, educators and community leaders to ensure that every student in Dallas has access to quality arts learning experiences in and out of…

Two views are presented on the question of whether or not creativity can be taught in social studies classrooms. Barbara Olmo argues that social studies is especially well suited for teaching creativity. Alvin Wolf replies that creativity can be encouraged but not taught directly. (Author/RM)

Challenges administrators to be more creative, original, and imaginative. (JM)

The creative act arises out of a need to explore human experience, and mathematics is a locus of creative activity. Mathematics should be taught to show the value of imagination and reasoning. (MT)

Are creativity and imaginative thinking impeded by the emphasis that many American schools place on cooperative learning and collaborative thinking today? This paper explores past and present philosophies concerning individualism and creativity as they relate to education in the USA. A person's ability to individuate is based on the premise that…

The phenomenon of creativity is so prevalent and yet so ill-defined. After examining several definitions, this author posits that creativity is a natural process in which humans use their physical, intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual resources to produce something new. Creativity seems to satisfy a deep fundamental yearning to go beyond…

The ways in which the mind creates new worlds, new contexts, and possible alternate realities are described. It is proposed that with this information, facility in devising new worlds and realities may be enhanced and imaginative reach expanded. (MSE)