HEIAQ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND EVENTS

ABOUT THE 2009 THEME
Home Economics: Creativity at Work

Conference delegates putting down their creative ideas on paperpaper

Creativity is generally thought of as the kind of thinking that leads to new insights, novel approaches, fresh perspectives, whole new ways of understanding and conceiving of things.  The products of creative thought are obvious, but there are some not so obvious examples such as ways of putting a question that expands the horizons of possible solutions. Others think of creativity as an Ability (to imagine or invent something new, to generate new ideas), an Attitude (to accept change and newness, a willingness to play with ideas and possibilities, a flexibility of outlook, the habit of enjoying the good, while looking for ways to improve it), and a Process (to continually improve ideas and solutions).

Why? 
Being creative helps us (and our students) to expand on our abilities, develop our potential, discover new and better ways to solve problems. Creativity skills can assist in enhancing our knowledge base—without creative thinking, we are condemned to stay within the knowledge base as it is given. Individuals who are capable of incorporating creativity into their lives can enjoy the experience of discovering, developing, and utilizing their many talents, including coping with life’s challenges.

There is no doubt that creative thinking is a critical life skill. Creativity contributes to effective leadership, distinguishing a manager who maintains the status quo from a leader who supplies new direction or vision. Creativity enhances the process of learning. Educators who adopt a creative approach to teaching are more likely to deliver content and create a learning environment that develops higher order thinking skills. And, of course, creativity helps in the development of society as a central factor in our ability to continue to adapt to the changing environment.

In 2009, the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts will focus on celebrating and developing creativity within Queensland schools, with the Honourable Rod Welford MP, Minister for Education and Training, Minister for the Arts Queensland declaring 2009 as the Year of Creativity. He notes: ‘Applying more creative teaching practices and cultivating students' creativity skills explicitly across the curriculum is the essence of a 21st Century teacher’ (http://.yearofcreativity.deta.qld.gov.au )

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