Improvisation is an ideal way to develop musical creativity in ensemble settings. This article describes two prominent theoretical frameworks related to improvisation. Next, based on research with developing and expert improvisers, it discusses how to sequence improvisatory activities so that students feel accomplished at every step. Finally, the…

The aim of this article is to develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex nature of learning as it relates to both the educational and social aims of education as manifested in contemporary European education policy. The article explores tensions in education policy and practice by exploring the evolution of the global brand Lego. The…

Pretence and creativity are often regarded as ubiquitous characteristics of childhood, yet not all education systems value or promote these attributes to the same extent. Different pedagogies and practices are evident within the UK National Curriculum, Steiner and Montessori schools. In this study, 20 children participated from each of these…

Educators have long recognized the value and import of class journaling. Traditional approaches to journaling, however, only engage students in one mode of communicative expression while allowing them to procrastinate in writing their entries. Typical journals are also read exclusively by the instructor, which overlooks the opportunity for…

This article describes a culture-based art curriculum for preservice elementary education majors which incorporates activities through which they can explore, cultivate, and foster creativity, aesthetic awareness and self-expression through cultural awareness, understanding, representation, and identity. The author utilizes visual culture theory…

The arts had a definite place in ancient Greek education and played an important part in children's physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth. Education was based on the development of the whole person. Gymnastics, drawing, music, and poetry were used to increase physical strength, moral character, and a sense of the aesthetic. Music,…

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the events that occurred at Pulse nightclub and how a social justice camp collided to create opportunities for campers, preservice teachers, and faculty mentors to use creative activities to connect community members during a time of tragedy. The author begins with a brief introduction to critical…

In inquiry-based learning, teachers usually only apply one level of inquiry from the four available levels. The diversity of students should be a serious consideration. Differentiated Learning Science Inquiry (DSI) implements the four levels of inquiry. To train students' creative thinking, inquiry can be integrated with mind maps. This research…

Schools have poor reputation among creativity researchers. Teachers' biases and implicit theories, disruptive behaviors among creative students, and the equivocal pattern of the relationship between creativity and school achievement all contribute to this fact. This chapter presents a new typological model of creativity and demonstrate how this…

The purpose of the present study was to investigate how inclusion of computational creativity exercises (CCE) based on Epstein's Generativity Theory (1996, 2005; Epstein, Schmidt, & Warel, 2008) in post-secondary computer science [CS] courses affected students' class grades, learning of computational thinking and CS knowledge, self-efficacy,…

The purpose of this study was to examine the presence of excellence gaps (i.e., differences between subgroups of students performing at the highest levels of achievement) in a sample of 563 students nominated as gifted by their teachers in urban, semi-urban, and rural settings in Spain. In general, the results suggested the existence of excellence…

Depression is associated with biased interpretations and beliefs that are resistant to change. This kind of cognitive rigidity may depend on two distinct factors--a reduced ability for processing information that conflicts with these interpretations and beliefs and a reduced ability for generating alternative representations. Although depressive…

Teacher adaptability is an emerging construct in research on teacher effectiveness with evidence of links to improved outcomes for both teachers and students. This study examined the links between teacher adaptive practices and teacher self-efficacy, perceived autonomy support and teacher adaptability. The study found that only teacher…

This viewpoint examines the complex ethical issues inherent in art therapy practice within a health-care setting for adults with dementia. The author explores and discusses the ways in which aspirational ethical principles outlined by the American Art Therapy Association can provide direction and guidance. The 6 aspirational ethical principles of…

The use of creativity in science practices is many times lost on secondary students. Creativity is seen as something central to the arts and humanities, but tangential at best in the sciences. However, an examination of many great scientific discoveries and the work of everyday contemporary scientists shows the depth and breadth of the use of…