Ask and Analyze
While this chapter is titled "Ask and Analyze," it is really about taking a close look at being creative and engaging in the classroom. We have all seen those teachers who make everything look easy, but what we don't see is all of the work that goes into making it look easy. We just see the tip of the iceberg.
Burgess compares this to what he calls "the myth of the blinding flash of light." This is the belief that creative people are simply walking around and "bang" the creative idea presents itself. Those who "aren't creative" become more and more frustrated because they never see the flash of light. So, if the flash of light is a myth, then "what is this creative process? To a large extent, it is the process of consistently asking the right questions." (34)
Being Creative is Hard Work
Burgess quotes Michelangelo to make that point that being creative is hard work.
We need to give our brain permission to think outside of the box. You need to be able to ask yourself "what is the most creative way I can teach this lesson?" and not be limited by what you think you can and cannot do. Use quality "outside of the box" questions to ask questions.
"Don't ask, 'How can I make this lesson bearable for my students today and keep them awake?' unless you want an answer that requires the bare minimum. Instead ask, 'How can I make this lesson outrageously entertaining, engaging, and powerful so that my students will never forget it...?'" (43)If you give your brain permission to think and ask "outside of the box" questions, it will, and you will begin to only settle for critical questions and answers to create engaging lessons.
Capture Your Ideas
Finally, make sure to find a way to capture your ideas wherever you are because once you give your brain the permission, you will find ideas popping up everywhere you look. You want to have something to keep track of those great ideas!
Discussion Questions
- What barriers to you come across that prevent you from opening up your creativity?
- How will you try to eliminate those barriers, or push through them, in the future?
Don't forget to respond to at least one one other person's comment.
ANSWER:
ReplyDelete1. Fear of failure/ not being good enough and feelings of inferiority are HUGE barriers that prevent me from opening up. I often need a little nudge out of my comfort zone/a few words of encouragement from a trusted friend, to spark my most creative moments. The longer I teach, and the more confidence I build, my creative sparks begin to fly! I just need to realize when it comes to creativity, there's not right or wrong, it's all subjective! I need to develop confidence and trust my instinct!
2. I will try not to be my own worst critic. I will try to embrace the positive in my creative thinking, even if I fail. Failure should be growth, not a life sentence of failure. I feel I hold myself to too high of standards... I feel pressure that since I have an art degree and have been deemed "creative" by others, I need to live up to that expectation. As the book points out, it's been (and is) HARD work. Countless hours go into pushing through barriers. So much time goes into eliminating barriers. I need to take time and celebrate my creative victories.
Without a doubt, celebrate those victories especially when it comes to eliminating barriers to doing something great. As you and Marcy both mention confidence, or lack of, is a tremendous barrier. I wonder if that's why Burgess goes with the whole pirate theme even dressing the part. He's kind of like, "if I'm going to do this, I'm going all in."
Delete1. Lack of confidence has always been a fear holding me back from attempting to do something that is out of my comfort zone. As I get older and more mature, this has diminished that I have begun to try new things within the classroom. Also getting bogged down with negativity has hampered my creativity as well. Sometimes I have to force myself into taking on a project or a grad course, just to free my mind from what is happening at school. This helps me to rejuvenate my creative juices.
ReplyDelete2. I'm going to continue to push myself to try new ideas within the classroom. I'm also going to try to listen to what my students would like to do with in the room as well. I am going to continue to ignore negativity and remind my students that each day is a brand new day, a chance to start over.