Teacher Bias Against Creativity

Today we discussed an article by Kaufman and Beghetto that referenced a bias teachers were having against more creative students in their classrooms. However, I felt that the paper was combining two things that are not automatically related. In the article it mentioned that there was a correlation between highly creative students and students with behavioral problems such as outbursts, not following instructions, and inability to stay on task. Because of these issues in the classroom the teacher's then have a tendency to have a negative bias for the more creative students.

I was really uncomfortable with that idea. Obviously, I understand the connection between the two. However, I find it hard to believe that every single child who is talented creatively is also having issues with behavior in the classroom. Reversely, I'm sure every child who is presenting behavioral problems is not excessively creative. As adults, teachers should be able to differentiate between the behavior of students and the positivity that comes with creativity. Further than that, teachers should be making very clear to their students that it is not their creativity that is the problem. Obviously I see the benefits of teaching students that there is an appropriate time for everything and the importance of being able to follow instructions. I think that mixing poor behavior and creativity sends a horrible message to students, and should be treated in completely separate manners.

Inception

Something that has been on my mind a lot during class lately is an idea that is presented in the movie Inception. In the movie, Leonardo DiCaprio is trying to plant an idea in a person's head and have them still believe the idea was theirs originally. When first presented with this task, he denies and says it is not possible. He believes there is no such thing as an original idea. There are too many other factors that influence ideas, such as things other people say or things you see. I find this to be a fascinating concept.

I have no idea how this could ever be proven. But when you think about it, it is a valid point. There are so many songs, pieces of art, books, and movies. It would be hard to come up with an idea that is completely original and uninfluenced by anything else you have read or seen. You may be completing work that is similar to something already done and have no idea. There are so many pieces of creativity in existence there would be no way to know what has already been done before you. This would also tie into the debate of whether or not expertise is beneficial or a hindrance. Having expertise in a field would allow you to know more of what has already been created, but knowing about all these creations may cloud your own view of what you aspire to create.

This would have been an interesting question to have asked our panel the other day in class. I wonder if they think ideas can ever be truly original, or if they draw too much inspiration from the world around the creator.