Discusses several technical, psychological, and philosophical reasons for the underestimation of reflective teaching that make use of nonrational teacher behavior. Several techniques are described for the promotion of reflection on nonrational processes, such as the use of metaphors, drawing or painting, making photographs, and guided fantasy.…

A reanalysis of data from three previously published studies on whether creativity is content general or content specific suggest that, contrary to the results of recent research, a content-general factor may explain 40-50% of the variance in creativity checklist scores. Results are analyzed in light of other studies. (Author/CR)

A study investigated the effects of a creative thinking program on Korean gifted and typical preschoolers. Compared to a control group (n=40), the 40 program participants (both gifted and typical) performed significantly higher on tests of cognitive ability and creative abilities of originality, imagination, and fluency. (Contains six references.)…

Encourages child care professionals to encourage creativity in all aspects of their programs including: (1) passion in pursuit of ideas and in hiring staff; (2) nurturing relationships; (3) good role modeling; (4) making the space and time for goal development; (5) focus on values; (6) time for play; and (7) maintaining a balanced life. (SD)

A survey of 489 undergraduates in Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Taipei, found politicians were nominated by all four samples as being the most creative individuals in the past and at present. Scientists and inventors ranked second in position. Artists, musicians, and businessmen were rarely nominated. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Explains how students can be guided to model the invention process using potatoes. Details the steps and the materials used in the modeling, including the phases of the invention process. Presents this activity as preparation for the Invent America program. (DDR)

Explores research about creative thinking and outlines various processes that students go through when they attempt an art assignment. Describes the blocks to creative thinking that non-art majors have experienced, such as cultural blocks, conceptual and perceptual blocks, and social blocks. Discusses the instructional conditions important for…

Describes an art project for high school students that incorporates maskmaking with mixed-media. Explains that students choose subjects for their masks, either a fictional character, a famous figure, or a symbol of social commentary. States that the project develops students' creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. (CMK)

This article discusses integrating thinking skills into the regular curriculum to meet the special needs of gifted children. It defines thinking skills, describes three common approaches used to teach them (stand-alone, immersion, and embedded), and demonstrates how they can be embedded in any curriculum at all levels. (Contains eight references.)…

This study proposes an interactive model of "cross-domain" concept mapping with an emphasis on brain functions, and it further investigates the relationships between academic achievement, creative thinking, and cross-domain concept mapping. Sixty-nine seventh graders participated in this study which employed two 50-minute instructional…

In so far as education has acknowledged creativity at all, it has commonly focused on "allowing" rather than "developing" creativity, on arts-based "expression" rather than broader or deeper kinds of creativity; and on the role of techniques rather than dispositions. This paper seeks to redress the balance by arguing…

This study compared the creative thinking abilities of students taking dance class in high school to nondance students (n = 286). The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) was the basis of the comparison using a pre-test/post-test format. Dance subjects were enrolled in classes that included a variety of dance forms plus some creative work.…

When undertaking design and technology activities, children are provided with opportunities to create solutions to problems in new and innovative ways. The mental processes involved in the generation of new ideas may be enhanced when children's attention is not focussed and is allowed to wander in a relaxed and uncompetitive environment. Research…

In education, the term "metacognition" describes thinking about thinking. Within mathematics, the term "metacomputation" describes thinking about computational methods and tools. This article shows how Dr. Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats can be used to demonstrate metacognition and metacomputation in the primary classroom.…

Given the unrelenting pressures of school management, how can principals and superintendents devote the time or resources to do much of anything that deviates from addressing the basic needs of schools? What are the levers that school leaders can use to infuse creativity and innovation into the cultural fabric of their organizations? In this…