Creativity, Learning and the Curriculum
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X0CESnGQ8U&w=420&h=315]
It was S.T. Coleridge who made the observation that ‘the willing suspension of disbelief’ is required for the enjoyment of poetry, novels and the dramatic arts — I also believe this is a requirement in education where role play takes centre stage. Role play is the bridge between theory and reality and, done properly, constitutes an effective means for securing deep learning outcomes. The reason, simply, is that the arts stimulate our imaginations which, in turn, stimulate creativity. I might add that the ICTs are effective tools for the creation of authentic role-plays.
Ken Robinson makes this case very eruditely in this presentation entitled: ‘Out of our Minds’, in which he calls for the abandonment of standardisation and conformity in education, thus allowing individuals to explore their talents through a personalised curriculum.